My first symptoms showed up as declining swim performance. Race times slowed despite consistent training. I felt short of breath during races and struggled with air hunger. My voice changed after races. I had slurred speech and facial weakness after exertion. Classic weakness appeared later.

About seven months. Symptoms were first labeled as asthma and vocal cord dysfunction. The diagnosis came after visible facial weakness and blood work.

Juvenile, generalized, acetylcholine receptor antibody positive myasthenia gravis.

Treatment included pyridostigmine, prednisone, IVIG then SCIG, rituximab, thymectomy, and Zilucoplan. Treatment decisions changed based on symptoms, antibody levels, and swim performance.

Yes. I returned to full training and competition. I achieved personal best times after treatment. I won all events at 4a/3a/2a/1a OSAA State 2025 and was nominated for OSAA Women’s Swimmer of the Year.

Early recognition of relapse signs. Objective tracking of race times. Strong medical advocacy. Support from teammates, coaches, and family.

Highly trained athletes hide weakness. Performance changes matter. Listening early changes outcomes.

A mentorship effort supporting kids with chronic illness returning to sport.

To shorten diagnostic delays. To normalize invisible illness. To show full return to sport is possible.