One of San Tan Allergy & Asthma’s patients was recently diagnosed with systemic mastocytosis, a rare disease which causes white blood cells to accumulate in various organs throughout the body. Competing for the title of Ms. Health and Fitness, Alexa Kauffman is using her fitness platform to raise awareness about the condition and her journey to the National Institutes of Health.
“Something I struggled with for a while is the confusion that came along with my diagnosis of Systemic Mastocytosis. Some days were (and still are) definitely harder than others, and I have kept my feelings hidden most of the time, but I wasn’t about to let it ruin my happiness. Instead of letting it keep me down I decided to fight for my quality of life, and I channeled that built up emotion into something more positive. Fitness has definitely changed my life for the better, and keeps me strong not only physically, but mentally as well. I have been able to use it as a platform to help bring a little more awareness for this rare cell disease through the shows that I compete in, but if I were to win the title of Ms. Health & Fitness, I would be able to get the word out there and reach so many more people. It could definitely be a game changer for not only me, but for others like me with rare conditions in hopes that it would get the attention of the medical community.
I want to thank Dr Jain and the whole team at San Tan Allergy & Asthma for truly caring about my well being, and supporting me throughout this journey.” -Alexa Kaufmann
To learn more about mastocytosis visit the links below:
National Institutes for Health – Mastocytosis
The Mastocystosis Society
