Meet Nick

Sports have always been a big part of Nick’s life. Since childhood, basketball, football, and mixed martial arts (MMA) have filled his days with athletic drive and friendly competition. But at 13 years old, Nick started noticing that keeping up with his friends was becoming challenging; his leg muscles would suddenly give out, and he found himself inexplicably tripping more often.

Nick’s pediatrician referred him to a neurologist, who diagnosed Nick with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by reduced muscle function and severe muscle weakness.¹ After much uncertainty, the diagnosis offered Nick and his family a sense of relief; however, it also marked the beginning of a new chapter and a set of challenges.

As Nick’s disease progressed, even the simplest daily tasks—getting out of bed, brushing his teeth, and eating— became increasingly difficult. At school, he worked hard to keep his symptoms hidden from his friends. “Whenever I fell, it was easier to just say I tripped and move on,” he recalls. More than anything, Nick wanted to feel like any other kid at school without standing out or drawing attention to his gMG symptoms.

Nick’s experience managing his gMG symptoms has also introduced complexities. He has been on corticosteroids consistently for several years, a therapeutic approach that helps him feel like he has regained his strength, but may be associated with serious side effects.² A recent bone density test revealed irreversible damage to his bones, another challenge to his active lifestyle.

Nick discovered a resilience that he never imagined. “I’m a lot stronger mentally than I thought,” he says. He remains determined to stay active and integrates sports into his daily life, training in MMA with his brother at a pace that works for him and taking breaks when he feels fatigue kicking in. In fact, support from his family and friends continues to be his anchor through it all, helping him push through even the toughest days.