This time last year there was a notable absence on the Arlington girls basketball team. Junior Christina White was in the midst of a battle with Graves Disease, a serious thyroid disorder that carries with it a variety of symptoms including severe fatigue and muscle weakness.
Luckily for White, doctors made her diagnosis early and she was able to receive treatment. She started on the road to recovery, a long path that shes still on today. Part of the recovery process was to stop all exercise for a period of time.
My parents were devastated by the diagnosis, said White, but they knew something was wrong.
White never lost faith that she would return to the court. Her determination to get back and get back early showed when she made appearances on the Arlington summer league team this past summer. She only played in limited action but it was a big step toward full recovery.
Currently shes still battling through some aftereffects.
Right now Id say Im 80-85 percent, said White. The disease is dormant right now but symptoms could re-occur.
Its not uncommon for a person with Graves Disease to have one relapse before the disease disappears entirely. So far White has been steadily progressing to good health. She will compete in the winter basketball season as well as track in the spring as long as her health stays good.
I love to be on the court with my friends, said White. I enjoy the competition.