Monica Seles MG Journey: Resilience & Awareness
Monica Seles Journey with myasthenia gravis (MG) : Resilience & Awareness Tennis icon Monica Seles opens up about her myasthenia gravis diagnosis. Discover her story, MG stats, and how awareness can empower patients. Monica Seles—International Tennis Hall of Famer and nine-time Grand Slam champion—was diagnosed three years ago with myasthenia gravis (MG), a progressive neuromuscular autoimmune condition. In a compelling first, she has now gone public with her journey—and her message is powerful: resilience is everything. This post will unpack her story, what MG really is, the latest statistics, her inspiring partnership with argenx, and how you can get involved.
What Is Myasthenia Gravis—and Why It Matters to Monica Seles and others
- MG is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease causing weakness in voluntary muscles, especially of the eyes, face, limbs, and breathing apparatus (Wikipedia, Health).
- Worldwide, MG affects 50 to 200 people per million, with new diagnoses ranging from 3 to 30 per million annually (Wikipedia).
- A recent global review (1952–2022) finds average prevalence of 173.3 cases/million and incidence of 15.7/million person‑years (PubMed, AJMC).
- In the U.S., 2021 data shows an incidence of 3.2 per 100,000 and prevalence near 37 per 100,000, rising steeply with age (American Academy of Neurology, Rare Disease Advisor).
- MG impacts women more before 40, and men more after 60 (Wikipedia, Rare Disease Advisor).
Why this matters: Improved awareness and early diagnosis can dramatically change quality of life—for example, at Nair Hospital in Mumbai, a neuro‑immunology OPD has uncovered many MG cases previously misdiagnosed, offering vital care to those in need (The Times of India).
Monica Seles’s Personal MG Journey
Monica Seles first noticed symptoms—like missing balls during casual play and seeing double—that she simply couldn’t ignore (AP News, ESPN).
She described how basic activities, such as “just blowing my hair out,” became difficult (ESPN).
Diagnosed three years prior, she now embraces a “new normal,” drawing on her life’s theme of “resets”—from immigrating as a young teen to surviving an on-court stabbing—and applies this to her MG chapter: “That ball is bouncing, and you’ve just got to adjust.” (AP News, ESPN).
A Powerful Alliance: Seles & argenx’s “Go for Greater” Campaign
On August 12, 2025, argenx announced their partnership with Monica Seles to promote MG awareness through their “Go for Greater” initiative (GlobeNewswire).
Monica Seles shared:
“By sharing my story, I can raise awareness of this disease, empower patients to advocate for themselves, and help them connect with the MG community.” (GlobeNewswire)
argenx is showcasing this at the upcoming 2025 U.S. Open, where they’re a Premier Global Sponsor, amplifying MG awareness on a global stage (GlobeNewswire). The campaign began in 2023 and focuses on helping patients improve their lives through support, goal‑setting, and treatment clarity.
argenx markets treatments such as Vyvgart (IV) and Vyvgart Hytrulo (subcutaneous)—and recently achieved FDA approval for a pre‑filled syringe version to aid self‑administration and reach profitability (GlobeNewswire).
A real-life impact story: A dad battling MG regained his ability to smile, play, and breathe more easily after starting efgartigimod, developed by argenx (The Times).
Why Seles’s Story Matters
- Representation boosts awareness. When someone of Monica’s stature speaks out, stigmas fall—and patients feel less isolated.
- MG prevalence is rising. Globally, cases have more than doubled since the 1950s (AJMC).
- Clear resources can make a difference. Campaigns like “Go for Greater” pave the way for education, connection, and hope.
- Advances in treatment empower patients. From immunotherapies to self-administered meds, patients have more options than ever.
Internal & External Links
Internal links (examples):
- Related topics: “[Living with Chronic Illness: Lessons from Sports Icons]”
- Wellness tips: “[How to Adapt Your Daily Routine When Facing Fatigue‑Inducing Conditions]”
External authority links:
- NINDS on MG – for credible medical details (search “NINDS Myasthenia Gravis fact sheet”)
- AJMC MG prevalence article – to deepen understanding of global trends (AJMC)
Key findings
- MG is rare but growing; early diagnosis saves lives.
- Monica Seles exemplifies courage by sharing her journey and advocating for MG awareness.
- argenx’s “Go for Greater” campaign offers hope, visibility, and community for patients.
** What you can do:**
- Learn the symptoms. Early signs like double vision, fatigue, or muscle weakness? Don’t ignore them.
- Share Seles’s story. Awareness starts with visibility.
- Explore support tools. Visit mg‑united.com (argenx’s initiative site) or check trusted sites like NINDS.
- Support MG research. Join fundraising efforts, community events, or petition for better diagnostics and care.
Monica Seles’s brave revelation about living with myasthenia gravis is about more than a diagnosis—it’s a rallying cry for hope, awareness, and action. Her partnership with argenx and the reach of the U.S. Open puts MG in the spotlight. As awareness grows, so do the chances for early detection, better treatment access, and community empowerment.
Let’s rally together—spread the word, support those affected, and help MG patients go for greater.