MarfanLife.net | News blog

Polo tribute to women: South Florida Sun-Sentinel
What: National Girls And Women in Sports Day

When: Feb. 7

Of note: Beginning today throughout the nation, thousands will celebrate the achievement and participation of women and girls in sports, including polo, over the next week. This year’s theme is “Throw like a girl, lead like a champion.”

History: The day began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her work to assure equality for women’s sports and to celebrate 30 years of Title IX. Hyman died of Marfan’s Syndrome in 1986.

Coroner: U. T. Basketball Player Suffered from Marfan’s Syndrome
(Toledo, OH) — The Lucas County Coroner said Thursday that a University of Toledo basketball player who collapsed and died during practice in October 2006, had genetic defect in the aorata.

The Seriousness Of Sudden Death In Athletes
- The thought of an athlete dropping dead in the midst of a sporting event strikes fear in the heart of all sports enthusiasts.

We have all heard the stories of athletes such as famed college basketball star Hank Gathers who died during at the peak of his athletic career. The question is were there any warning signs or was there something that could have been done to prevent this senseless death?

Health worries over Crouch | the Daily Mail
Peter Crouch’s lofty frame could cause him more problems than being able to find a long enough bed, it was claimed yesterday.

The 6ft 7in striker has hit form on the pitch with a hat-trick in England’s final friendly game before the World Cup.

“HOUSTON, Texas — The thought of an athlete dropping dead in the midst of a sporting event strikes fear in the heart of all sports enthusiasts. We have all heard the stories of athletes such as famed college basketball star Hank Gathers who died during at the peak of his athletic career. The question is were there any warning signs or was there something that could have been done to prevent this senseless death?”

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“Are athletes engaged in intense training or competitive sports at risk of suddenly dropping dead from heart problems?”

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Rocky Mountain News: Rockies & MLB: “A FATHER’S TRAGEDY: Rockies outfielder Jorge Piedra is mourning the loss of his infant daughter, Eva, who died Dec. 31. She was born Sept. 29 with an enlarged heart and was hospitalized until Nov. 12.

It appeared Eva had Marfan Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that can cause an enlarged aorta when it affects the heart.

Shortly after Thanksgiving, Piedra, who lives in Frisco, Texas, said doctors determined Eva’s heart was growing rapidly and suggested putting her on a drug typically used to control high blood pressure but one that had reversed the symptoms of Marfan Syndrome in some adults but had not been used with an infant.”

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Fans can relive Mountaineers season, thanks to HS student: “Kevin Hartmann, a 15-year-old Liberty Street resident [who has the Marfan syndrome], filmed the entire 2005 Vermont Mountaineers season, fromng day to the New England College Baseball League Northern Division Championships, as the three-year-old team played its best season to date.”

Lacombe Globe, Lacombe, AB: “Lacombe Globe — One of Lacombe’s largest golf tournaments isn’t just about competition, it’s about improving people�s lives.”

Bismarck Tribune Online - Bismarck, ND: “Many young athletes have spent their summer months going to camps and training to increase their performance level before the sports season begins. Between running sprints, pumping iron and practicing drills, athletes have to get a sports physical in order to play.

Over the years, sports physicals have evolved into a more in-depth and precise method to ensure that athletes are in good health. The checkup has evolved from a simple questionnaire to a more detailed discussion between the doctor and athlete.”