Varsity Football Field Observation Report

I could have died out on the football field. Someone with health issues such as mine should stray far away from football equipment. July 10, 2016 is the day that my hematologist believes was "life-threatening" for me. It also is the day that I knew my quality of life for the rest of my life had to be addressed immediately.

Following the end of the 2015 Varsity football season, I knew I had to be in optimal physical condition going into my senior season. After 8 months of offseason conditioning, countless hours in the gym, and diet dedication the season came around with terrible timing. My anemia began another episode, but far more severe than ever. In July 2016 I had a hemolytic attack on the practice field. Such a condition is described as a rapid destruction of blood cells resulting in a small percentage of readily available oxygen circulating through my body; much less than any other healthy seventeen year old. That day we were outside as a team on the practice field doing the toughest training in the most blistering heat I have ever experienced. At this point in my life, I was aware of my my mild case of anemia, but …show more content…
I was weak, consistently exhausted and nearly immobile for two weeks of the summer. My first step to bringing my body back to health was to research the necessary vitamins and nutrients I would need to supplement into my daily diet. My road to recovery began with the hopes of returning to football in time for our “three-a-days” in Mid-August. When the season started, I knew I was not in my prime, but i also knew that my prime was left behind on the field when i collapsed. I do not allow my condition intimidate me nor do I allow it to keep me from my success. I embrace it, and challenge it knowing that i have the ability to be the best version of me regardless of this immense obstacle. My anemia is not gone, and it never will be. It will be something that sticks with me for the rest of my