NFL Hall of Fame player Art Still has become an advocate for raising awareness about a rare disease called amyloidosis. This condition affects one in 25 African Americans, and its symptoms can significantly impact the daily lives of those who have it. Currently, some of Still's family members are also living with the disease. He is using this chapter of his life to educate current and retired athletes across all sports about amyloidosis. By drawing attention to this issue, Still hopes to promote preventive measures that can benefit everyone.
"Getting awareness out there is one of the things we are trying to do now. The results of Amyloidosis can diminish your life expectancy. When Amyloidosis happens, we want doctors to treat the core problem, not the symptoms," said Art Still, Former NFL star.
Still was diagnosed with Amyloidosis in September 2023. According to the Mayo Clinic, this disease causes the body to produce abnormal proteins that stick together and deposit in tissues and organs. This buildup of these abnormal proteins is called amyloid. A thick enough buildup of amyloid can cause organs like the spleen, heart, and liver to fail. The disease is hereditary. According to Still, 1.6 million African Americans are unknowingly carrying the disease.
Symptoms of amyloidosis include fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, and pain in the shoulders and hips. These symptoms typically do not surface until individuals are in their 40s or 50s.
James Still, the brother of Still, experienced these issues. They were severe enough for him to require surgery. Despite these challenges, he was a defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs during the 1970s. Throughout his career, he underwent shoulder surgeries and dealt with carpal tunnel syndrome. Recently, he discovered he had an irregular heartbeat but was unsure of the cause. It wasn't until he had a medical checkup at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans that he was diagnosed with amyloidosis.
"It's been an eye-opener for me to learn that other players I competed with, as well as some younger athletes who just retired, are facing Amyloidosis. I recently discovered that former NBA players like Nate Archibald and John Chaney are dealing with this condition. I feel it is my responsibility to spread the word," said Still.
To take action, Still co-founded the Amyloidosis Army in April 2024, partnering with patient advocate Mike Lane, who also has Amyloidosis and has been actively raising awareness about the disease. This organization aims to increase awareness of Amyloidosis and provide support to those affected, ensuring they don't have to suffer alone.
The Amyloidosis Army focuses on education and advocacy to promote early diagnosis and effective treatment. Based in Kansas City, MO, Still and his team have hosted presentations with the current roster of the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Player Alumni Associations. In November, they met with staff at a local hospital to educate them about Amyloidosis.
"We have been working to educate people about the symptoms of Amyloidosis and how it affects our bodies. We recently gave a presentation on the disease with the Chiefs. One individual mentioned that he had already discussed this condition with his doctor. We provided him with a booklet about the disease, which he shared with his doctor on his next visit. Our goal is to empower individuals to advocate for themselves regarding Amyloidosis," said Still.
Looking ahead, Still and the Army plan to continue discussions about Amyloidosis. They have recently engaged in conversations with the state Department of Health. Still hopes that more of his retired athlete friends will share their experiences with the disease. He is leveraging his network to help address this medical issue.