On Thursday, May 22, Anupam A. Kumar, MD, MS, a cardiologist with Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care, joined Camden native Art Still—former University of Kentucky All-American and NFL All-Pro—in an Amyloidosis Awareness event at the Kroc Center. Raising awareness about amyloidosis, its signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, is a cause close to the hearts of Art Still and his wife, Liz Still. They were joined by County Commissioner Jennifer Fleisher, who presented a proclamation officially designating May 22 as Art Still Day.
Amyloidosis is a term that represents several different types of diseases where an abnormal protein called amyloid is produced. These amyloid protein fibers can attach and deposit into organs, tissues, nerves, and other places in the body. When that happens, the normal function of the area can be affected. As the amyloid protein increases, health problems and organ damage may occur. Mr. Still has been diagnosed with hereditary amyloidosis (hATTR), a condition that affects approximately one in 25 African Americans.
This is Art Still’s journey, in his own words:
“I was diagnosed with ATTR-CM in 2023 through NFLPA at Tulane, although I had symptoms for over 30 years. Personally, I had never heard of amyloidosis until it touched my life and unknowingly the lives of my family. Early diagnosis is key to supporting those diagnosed. Also, there are variants that affect people of Irish and Portuguese descent, as well as others.
“I’m so passionate about getting awareness out and the importance of early detection. My older brother James ended up with a heart transplant and my younger brother Dennis needs one. My older brother’s son Jahmai passed away four years ago at the age of 36 had sickle cell along with amyloidosis v122i. My sister Francina texted me, ‘I have all the symptoms. They can’t help me, what’s done is done. But if you could help at earlier stages this would be a great deterrent for me.’
“This is my personal family but I’m just as passionate to get this information out to those in the communities we live in. I’ve tracked my NFL medical journey from 1978 until now. If those in our communities and the doctors are aware of this, they can make informed decisions about their health not only now but importantly for the future. I know for certain there are many who are being misdiagnosed as myself that will eventually cause some serious health issues that with early awareness could make a world of difference on their quality of life!”
Dr. Kumar led the discussion and stressed the importance of open communication with a primary care physician on potential signs and symptoms of amyloidosis, and the role of cardiologists in treatment and disease management.
