Harriet Davidson was diagnosed with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) in 2019 after suffering a collapsed lung while at the gym – she was told her lung function will decline rapidly
A woman diagnosed with a rare and incurable lung disease at the tender age of 24 is seizing the day despite her challenging condition. Harriet Davidson smashed expectations last weekend by completing the 10km course at the Great Bristol Run, an achievement that seemed out of reach a few years back when she had to endure major lung surgery.
Back in April 2019, Harriet was struck by a sudden lung collapse while working out at the gym, with no apparent cause. After a fortnight in hospital, it wasn’t until a CT scan that doctors spotted hundreds of cysts on her lungs.
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She was then diagnosed with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare condition that targets the lungs and kidneys and mainly affects women. Now at 30, she’s spent months training to finish the 10km race, all the while raising awareness and funds for the charity that’s been her rock during her health ordeal.
Harriet, from Bristol, said: “This disease has truly changed my life. I was told my lung function will decline rapidly, and that I may have a short life and might even require a lung transplant. Fast forward six years, I have had the best fitness I may have ever had.
“I have been training so hard for the Bristol 10km, taking up running, something I thought I would never enjoy. Playing football again, cycling, and living life to the full.”
While battling her own health struggles, Harriet has stepped up as a key advocate for those dealing with LAM. She heaps praise on the charity LAM Action for giving her access to Rapamycin, a medication she believes could be life-saving.
Gaining international attention, she even took to the stage in Chicago to shine a light on the illness, reports Bristol Live. Harriet didn’t know about her condition when she was treated for a benign kidney tumour back in 2013; it’s a rare disease, impacting roughly 350 women across the UK.
With a finishing time of 1:05:08, Harriet has drummed up over £6,000 for LAM Action. Alongside her at the starting line were about 50 mates, loved ones, and well-wishers who gathered on Sunday, May 11.
This event meant the world to Harriet not just due to her health saga but also as it represented the biggest turnout for LAM Action yet, all sporting branded T-shirts to champion the cause.
Harriet expressed her heartfelt gratitude: “Without their support, I would never have been offered the medication Rapamycin, which could potentially save my life.
“I will forever be grateful for the contributions of scientists, clinicians and charities who have allowed me to be in the position that I am now.”
Dedicated to aiding women and families grappling with the condition, LAM Action pushes for improved treatment options and rigorous research.
Harriet expressed her commitment, saying: “I endeavour to support other women like me, especially for those who haven’t been as lucky as me, who have to have a lung transplant, and their families, and to provide the continued support for patients coming to terms with an incurable disease.”