Seimone looks to help find cure, raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis

From Robin Fambrough of The Advocate:

Championships have always been at the heart of Seimone Augustus’ dreams.

Two surgeries in a 12-month period — one to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and the other to remove noncancerous fibroids from her abdomen and back — would end the dreams of some.

The 26-year-old former Capitol High and LSU standout isn’t your typical athlete. Her dreams are more vivid and defined than ever.

There are still visions of championships for the star of the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. Augustus’ dreams now have a deeper driving force.

A season-ending ACL injury in June 2009 was followed by news that her father, Seymore, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

“I talk to my parents six or seven times a day,” Augustus said. “My dad has good days and bad days. Overall he’s doing better. He’s stubborn and he’s not about to let this get him down. My mom (Kim) is our rock. That’s motivation for me.”

Recovery from knee surgery kept Augustus from coming to Baton Rouge last summer. Instead, she researched multiple sclerosis.

Before she scanned the Internet, Augustus learned that Sherie Starkey, the wife of LSU women’s basketball assistant Bob Starkey, also has MS, and is also a breast cancer survivor. The Starkeys became valuable advisers for the Augustus family.

“I knew she (Sherie Starkey) had breast cancer, and when I found out she has MS, I was shocked,” Augustus said. “It affects more people than you think.”

Through research, talks with doctors and others such as Bob Starkey, Augustus learned about the various types of multiple sclerosis.

Seymore Augustus has a relapsing-remitting form. Periods with no problems are followed by those with symptoms including severe headaches, vision problems and loss of muscle strength.

Augustus wants to start a foundation to help find an MS cure. She is surveying options much like she does before executing a signature fade-away jumper.

Her dreams are shaded with orange. One day, she hopes the WNBA and others use it as a symbol.

“Orange is the color for MS just like pink is for breast cancer,” Augustus said. “What we do for breast cancer is so important. I’d love to see us do the same thing for MS in the WNBA. We could wear orange shoes, shoelaces and ribbons. It’s important to raise awareness.”

Augustus remains focused on basketball. The Lynx (5-11) are battling for a playoff berth. Augustus is averaging a team-high 17.6 points per game in seven games since her second surgery.

“I’m about 75 or 80 percent,” Augustus said. “I feel better every day. The hardest thing is getting back to playing at a high level.

Read Robin's entire article at: http://bit.ly/9oDlW3

Posted by Bob Starkey