A Champion Battles Thyroid Di... Video Transcript

Webcast Transcript

  So how are patients reacting to the controversy?

GAIL DEVERS:  I don't think people really realize how sensitive your endocrine system is.  I mean what your thyroid does is influence every cell organ and tissue in your body.  And -- I mean everything comes through that thyroid.  First -- and the medication that you're put on, you're put on, you're given a test that regulates how much is supposed to be in your body so your body can continue to function normal and properly.  I take this medication and I depend on this medication to live.  And I've done it for ten years and it works.

VOICEOVER:  Devers went on to win three Olympic Gold Medals and became one of only two women in history to win the 100 meters in consecutive Olympic Games.  In addition to competing, Devers has served as an official spokeswoman for thyroid disease and has started several community outreach programs.  But is she at all regretful of the years she lost to this disease?

GAIL DEVERS:  I do harass myself -- why me?  Why did this have to happen to me?  I actually count it as a blessing because it has put me in a position to help others.  I think it's about the quality of life and maybe that's because of what I have gone through, or things that I have watched and seen happen to other people.  And it's about people helping people.  Because I have the gift of gab and I will talk and I will stand up -- not only for what's right for me, but what's right for everyone.  And that's what it's about.

[CROWD CHEERS]
 

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