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    Monica Seles Hero Image

    From Champion to Advocate:
    Monica Seles Partners with argenx and Opens Up About Her Journey with Myasthenia Gravis

    Every champion faces tough matches – but some happen off the court.

    After receiving a Myasthenia Gravis (MG) diagnosis, tennis legend Monica Seles embarked on a mission to increase understanding of the condition she has been silently battling for years. In partnership with argenx, Monica is sharing more about her path to diagnosis and her experiences living with MG, with the hopes of empowering MG patients to pursue their goals despite their diagnosis. Together, we’re uniting to deepen understanding of rare disease, and are motivated to pursue a better tomorrow alongside patients worldwide.

    What did your journey to diagnosis look like?

    My journey with MG began subtly, with symptoms appearing a couple of years before I was officially diagnosed. As a former professional athlete, I am very attuned to my body and notice even the slightest changes. Initially, I began experiencing extreme leg weakness and ocular issues, which were not typical for me. These symptoms gradually interfered with my everyday activities, including playing tennis, which had always been a joy in my life. Despite feeling something was off, the path to diagnosis was not straightforward. This process taught me a lot about the importance of perseverance and self-advocacy, especially when it comes to health.

    What was it like receiving an MG diagnosis?

    Receiving the diagnosis was both a relief and a challenge. On one hand, it validated the symptoms I had been experiencing and gave me a clear understanding of what was happening with my body. On the other hand, it was daunting to face a new reality with a chronic condition. It took time to find a provider who considered my symptoms thoroughly and looked beyond the fact that I was an athlete and appeared healthy. This was incredibly frustrating because I knew something was wrong and needed answers. It wasn't until my third neurologist that someone looked beyond my appearance and considered my symptoms thoroughly. This experience reinforced the importance of being your own advocate.

    I encourage anyone experiencing unexplained symptoms to seek multiple opinions if necessary, and to trust their instincts about their health.

    Monica Seles Image

    What has your experience been like living with MG?

    Living with MG has been a significant adjustment. As an athlete, my life revolved around physical activity, so the onset of symptoms was not only physically challenging but also emotionally taxing. The muscle weakness made it difficult to perform everyday tasks, and the ocular symptoms affected my vision, making activities I love like walking my dog or playing tennis nearly impossible. It's been a journey of learning to pace myself and manage my symptoms, but I am grateful for the support of my medical team and the progress I've made.

    Monica Seles Image

    What has your experience been like living with MG?

    Living with MG has been a significant adjustment. As an athlete, my life revolved around physical activity, so the onset of symptoms was not only physically challenging but also emotionally taxing. The muscle weakness made it difficult to perform everyday tasks, and the ocular symptoms affected my vision, making activities I love like walking my dog or playing tennis nearly impossible. It's been a journey of learning to pace myself and manage my symptoms, but I am grateful for the support of my medical team and the progress I've made.

    Why did you decide to partner with argenx?

    Partnering with argenx was an obvious choice for me, as I am passionate about raising awareness and empowering patients to pursue their goals despite the challenges posed by this disease. argenx shares this commitment wholeheartedly, making our collaboration a perfect fit. My goal is to ensure that others with MG feel empowered and supported, rather than isolated, as I once did. There is a lack of awareness about MG, and I want to change that by using my platform to educate and help others navigate this condition with confidence.

    The resources that argenx has created for the MG community offers a wealth of tools and support and I am excited to see the positive impact we can make together.

    What message do you have for others living with MG?

    To anyone living with MG or suspecting they might have it, I urge you to seek professional medical advice and keep a detailed diary of your symptoms. MG can manifest in various ways, and documenting your symptoms can be incredibly helpful for your healthcare provider. It's important to advocate for yourself and not settle for answers that don't resonate with your experience. There is hope and there are effective ways to improve your quality of life. 

    What message do you have for others living with MG?

    To anyone living with MG or suspecting they might have it, I urge you to seek professional medical advice and keep a detailed diary of your symptoms. MG can manifest in various ways, and documenting your symptoms can be incredibly helpful for your healthcare provider. It's important to advocate for yourself and not settle for answers that don't resonate with your experience.

    Remember, you are not alone in this journey. There is a community ready to support you, and I am committed to helping raise awareness and provide encouragement to those affected by MG.

    For more information and helpful resources about Myasthenia Gravis, visit:

    Go for Greater with MG