I had another post in mind but then this happened:
Jenny Simpson (highly elite decorated longtime runner and one of my personal favorites) just released on her IG that she has ARVC. And that she will no longer be running as a result.
and:
I am feeling all the things.
My friend (the super fast and talented runner I used to run with!) sent me the link this morning and I literally got chills. She had collapsed at a race in Chapel Hill in June and at the time I wondered if maybe it was ARVC. But then I thought: surely, an elite wouldn’t have gotten to that point without a diagnosis. Wouldn’t they do routine monitoring all the time? Wouldn’t she have had symptoms?
She actually had a prior history of collapse in a race situation which was attributed to high pressure / stress. Now that seems . . . a little bit questionable. (Though wow – that was 17 years ago! I know I had symptoms as early as 2017 though. So not impossible.)
Anyway, I have always really liked Jenny and now I love her even more, because her willingness to share this openly had to be brave and I can only imagine it will bring more awareness of this (super frustrating) disease.
(I commented on IG for the first time in 5 years and also sent her a DM sending support and encouraging her to visit Hopkins – I definitely don’t plan on going back to that platform, but this felt worthy of breaking my personal vow of IG silence/uninvolvement. And now I’ll step away for another 5 yrs!)
7 Comments
What an inspiring lady – courageous and creative just like you! I am sending you continued good wishes from the UK. It is inspiring to witness you rebuilding, pivoting and caring for yourself and others with such courage. Enjoy back to school!
We have a few more weeks before the kids go back here – trying not to put pressure on us to ‘enjoy every moment’, but accept the joyful moments that arise amid the chaos.
Well I got chills reading this post! How heart breaking for her, but what a message of positivity from her. I imagine a near death experience like you’ve both had helps reframe things. I bet she appreciated your DM! Would you know if she messaged you back? Or maybe you gave her your email? This was definitely worth revisiting IG for!
I was wondering if you’d seen that and if it was the same condition that you have. I actually “met” Jenny once at an event at a local running store. So glad for modern medicine and that both of you are still here!
I thought of you when I saw her post. It’s an awful but special connection to have with her. I’m sure she appreciates messages from someone with the experience you have.
how heartbreaking. I cannot imagine what you felt but shock and anger.
Wow!! What a small world. I can imagine how much this brings up for you…so great that you reached out to her. I went to high school with Jenny (very small world) and I’m sorry to hear this news but really glad you both have access to world class healthcare to not only diagnose the problem but also to assess your options moving forward. It’s a great reminder of how precious life is and how quickly it can change for all of us. Your positivity and ability to make the most of any situation is inspirational.