The Olympics

The Olympics are upon us. Last night, as I watched the opening ceremonies, I began to think about how the Olympians have dedicated a very large portion of their life in preparation for these games. All of the athletes have trained hard, many have given up the life they once knew. They have focused on becoming the best they can be.

Those of us with Myasthenia Gravis are athletes of sort. We have modified our way of life in order to compete against this disease. While there will be no medals awarded in our game, leading a full and productive life is the achievement we’re focused on.

I realize an Olympian chooses to compete, while you never chose to have MG, but the exhilaration of winning for both of us is worth the effort.

To be an Olympian takes dedication, perseverance, and a desire to win. Aren’t those the same requirements for each of us? We must be dedicated to following doctor’s orders, taking our medicines as prescribed, exercising when possible, resting when necessary, and remaining determined to not allow MG to take over our minds, our hearts, and our attitudes.

While an Olympian takes training and dedication to the limits, we fight to avoid the limits our disease is trying to force on us. Sometimes we have to rest, but we come back to fight once more.

I have the greatest respect for Olympians and I’m not trying to take their achievements lightly by comparing their lives to ours. Instead, I’m trying to celebrate how both of us fight to win something worthwhile. It’s dedication, perseverance, and a desire to win that keeps an Olympian going. It’s dedication, perseverance, and a desire to win that keeps us going, as well.

Although some Olympians will only have this one chance to compete, a few will come back to compete again. Hilary Knight (USA, Hockey) will become the first American hockey player to compete in five Olympics. Kaillie Humphries (USA, Bobsled) has competed in the last three Olympic Winter Games. And, of course, this will be Lindsey Vonn’s fifth Olympic competition. Think about that for a moment. With the winter games only being held every four years, some of these athletes will be competing at the highest level for over 20 years.

If we’re to not just survive with MG, but thrive through MG, we’re going to have to be dedicated. We’re going to have to persevere. We’re going to have to have the desire to win. That means not giving up when things get tough. That means not throwing in the towel when we’re too tired to go on. That means keeping an attitude of forward and never backward. That means putting forth whatever effort is needed to get the most out of what we have left. And that means continuing to compete year after year after year.

I highly respect all Olympic athletes. I also highly respect you. You’re competing and you’re winning. Keep winning. Keep giving it your best effort. Keep going for the gold. Make yourself proud. Make your family proud. Make everyone around you proud. We’ll be cheering for you!