Mark Schlereth reached out to Travis Frederick on Wednesday to offer his help to the Dallas Cowboys center in dealing with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Frederick announced on Twitter Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which is an autoimmune condition with symptoms including muscle weakness.
An update on what’s going on with me: pic.twitter.com/KSkMUvyCWk
— Travis Frederick (@tfrederick72) August 22, 2018
The diagnosis is a scary one for Frederick, as the issue can be life-threatening in some cases. It’s also a tough blow for the Cowboys as Frederick has made four straight Pro Bowls and is regarded as one of the best centers in the game.
Schlereth played 12 seasons in the NFL as a guard, making two Pro Bowls. He told Frederick that he dealt with the same issue during his playing career and offered his help.
@tfrederick72 Travis I had this in 1993 while playing for the Skins. If I can answer any questions of be of service please feel free to DM me and I’ll pass along my contact info.
— mark schlereth (@markschlereth) August 23, 2018
Schlereth then told his followers about his experience with the syndrome. He says that he lost all feeling in his arms and legs for the better part of six months and missed half of the 1993 season due to it.
It affects everyone differently, I don’t want to send Twitter into uproar…I was very sick for a long time, missed the 2nd half of the 93 season & was still regaining my strength into the 2nd half of 94..lost all the feeling in my arms and legs for the better part of 6 months https://t.co/qhfW58PKCF
— mark schlereth (@markschlereth) August 23, 2018
The changes in the medical industry in the 25 years since Schlereth dealt with the matter should lead to better results for Frederick, but if there’s anyone who can understand what he’s going through, it’s certainly Schlereth. Reaching out to him would probably be worthwhile.
