Julia Clukey Announces Her Retirement Due To Chiari Malformation

I know first hand the effects Chiari Malformation can have on your body. I've always looked at Julia Clukey as an inspiration to be able to put her body through the rigorous training that is required for her sport. Even though she has announced her retirement, Julia will forever be a source of motivation to the chiari community.

Clukey was diagnosed with the brain disorder, that effects coordination and causes severe neck and head pain, in 2010 and underwent surgery 2011.

According to the Kennebec Journal:

Clukey returned to competition and won the national luge title in 2012 and two silver medals in World Cup competition. She later missed qualifying for the 2014 Winter Olympics by 0.013 seconds

This just confirms the fact that we have got to raise more awareness regarding Chiari Malformation and its co-morbidities. Since I've shared my journey, I've discovered more and more people in our community that have this debilitating condition and never knew anyone else with it. We have now formed a wonderful chiari family. Nobody can truly understand what it's like to have chiari, unless you have it too.

Also, bringing awareness to the medical community is key. Often, chiari malformation is misdiagnosed. For 15 years, I was told it was just PMS. When in doubt, I suppose blame it on PMS.

Here are some upcoming events where you can help us Conquer Chiari: