Reading or replaying the story in itsĪrchived form does not constitute a republication of the story. Those dealing with symptoms associated with HCM should talk with their doctors and visit the site for more information.Only for your personal, non-commercial use. It's just the beginning."įeburary 23 was HCM Awareness Day. "Your story is not over at your diagnosis. So I just really want to be a model, a trailblazer for anyone that's looking for information," Butler said. ![]() "My role is definitely to be a light for people who might be going through the same thing I experienced at 17 years old, learning that I have this condition and not knowing anyone else with this condition. ![]() Now, he hopes he can be a voice of encouragement and reassurance for other kids who may be dealing with a similar diagnosis. Butler eventually achieved his dream of playing in the NBA, when he was drafted by the Utah Jazz. In his time at Baylor, Butler played in 94 games for the Bears, scoring more that 1300 points and leading them to their first national championship. "The first few weeks I was extremely hopeless, so I would've loved to have somebody as open and informative about this condition," Butler said. He said there were no advocates for HCM awareness he could turn to for reassurance. While doctors told him he would be okay, in the early stages after his diagnosis, Butler said he felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness and fear surrounding his condition. HCM is the most common genetic heart disease. deal with HCM, although many go through life undiagnosed. Jared said he rarely experienced any symptoms and he rarely, if ever, had to change his basketball routine.Īn estimated 1 in 200 to 1 in 500 people in the U.S. That fear and anxiety slowly subsided over the following months, as Jared and Juanea learned more about the symptoms associated with HCM, including shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat and dizziness. We had no family history behind it, so we were clueless." "I was totally in denial because I had no idea what this was," Juanea said. They then determined she had been the silent, asymptomatic carrier of the HCM-causing gene Jared had inherited. Over the next few months, he continued to undergo testing to further understand the severity of his newfound condition.ĭoctors encouraged his mother, Juanea, to get tested as well. Shortly after his diagnosis, Butler transferred to Baylor University to join Scott Drew and the Bears. Would I still be able to continue to play?" ![]() "I didn't know what it would mean for my basketball career. "It was just scary because I didn't know what it was," Butler said. ![]() The diagnosis caught Butler off guard, because he had never noticed any symptoms stemming from the condition. WACO, Texas - Before he ever took the Ferrell Center floor in Waco, Baylor guard Jared Butler's basketball dreams were almost dashed by a stunning diagnosis.īefore his freshman season at the University of Alabama, Butler met with school doctors and trainers who revealed he actually suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic heart condition which makes it harder for the heart to pump blood throughout the body.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |