The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

On October 27, 2022, while playing rugby — the sport I love and lived for — I suffered a head injury. A routine HIA led to imaging that revealed far more than a concussion. Years of misdiagnoses (IBS, celiac, asthma, tinnitus, infections, even bowel cancer) had hidden the truth: I had a rare, aggressive, and near-terminal form of vasculitis. One of the worst ever recorded in someone my age and physical condition. I was told there were maybe five known cases like mine — in the world.

I went from strength to survival overnight. From coaching others to being unable to walk, eat, or bathe without help. My face collapsed. My voice warped. My body changed beyond recognition. I felt humiliated in my own skin.

I had to explain — and re-explain — myself to family, friends, doctors, and benefits offices. Not once. Not twice. But hundreds of times. I lost my income, my independence, and my identity. What little strength I had left, I used to protect my wife and daughter from the darkest days.

And yet, even through that, I couldn’t shake the feeling:

This wasn’t just happening to me. It was happening for something.