It’s a beautiful day in Steelers Country — chronic illness and all

Let’s break down how I survived Steelers Camp with chronic illness, the blazing Latrobe heat, and more prayers than TJ Watt sacks.

Latrobe ("lay-trohb"): Home to Fred Rogers, Rolling Rock, Arnold Palmer, and St. Vincent College, where the Steelers have been training since 1967. Photo credit: Pittsburgh Steelers.

Steelers Camp.

The holy land of Terrible Towels, black and gold everything, and high hopes for a winning season (fueled by our vintage 1933 jerseys and hopeless optimism).

But here’s the thing: I still have no idea what’s going on with my body, and over the past year, things have gotten significantly worse and wildly unpredictable. This was my first year navigating Steelers Camp while managing all of that, without a guidebook…unless you count my ChatGPT sidekick, Remy (the real MVP).

As excited as I was, I also knew this trip was going to be an adventure, much like my health journey itself —a little chaotic and requiring a specific packing list.

Let's take a look inside my Steelers Camp Survival Kit and everything that kept me upright and semi-functional in the Latrobe heat.

Road to camp

Thankfully, this was a great week to go to Steelers Camp — I had a rare burst of energy that almost felt “normal.” The catch? When energy shows up, I want to do everything I’ve been too wiped out to tackle. But with camp coming, I had to do something that doesn’t come naturally: slow down and save my spoons for the weekend.

Of course, good energy often comes with a downside — a flare-up right after. And sure enough, the long drive to Ligonier (full of curves, elevation shifts, and way too much sitting) knocked me straight into one.

By the time we arrived, I was wiped — foggy, drained, and unable to keep up with conversation. It was embarrassing and isolating, and my family saw me at one of my lowest points.

Thankfully, my sister had already filled them in on what I’ve been going through. Once they knew, they stepped up with kindness, checking in, making adjustments, and showing real support.

It wasn’t the start I wanted…but it reminded me that letting people in makes all the difference. Even if you don’t have answers yet, you don’t have to do it alone.

Turns out, a few family members were dealing with their own health battles, too. That weekend, we all looked out for each other, and that kind of shared support was everything.

Black and gold battle gear

• Frogg Togg cooling towel for my neck and my soul

• Portable fan: Fully charged and ready to work overtime while I pretend I’m not dreaming about air conditioning

• Cooling sleeves (portable shade for my limbs)

• Baseball cap because scalp sunburn is real

• Snacks galore because being chronically ill and hangry is a public safety risk (trust me, my family will tell you!)

• Water – Simple, reliable, and the reason I didn’t shrivel up on the sidelines

• Sunscreen (SPF 60+, minimum) because I’m here for the team, not the sun poisoning

• Antihistamines for when my face breaks out in a surprise heat rash later on

• and lots of Prayers – thankfully, St. Vincent's campus is well-equipped in this department!

From the sidelines

When we arrived at camp, we tried to cash in on the family connection (my cousin attends St. Vincent and is on the swim team). We attempted a stealthy sneak into the church lot to get a little closer to the action, and we almost pulled it off. While we were there, we got an up-close look at the team being carted over from the locker room, including Mike Tomlin and Pat Freiermuth. We even greeted Chris Boswell in passing. Cue full-blown fangirl moment.

Eventually, our cover was blown, and we were escorted back to the general public entrance. Half of us looped back to the gate while the rest snagged a prime shady spot — clutch move.

Once we got in, we made our rounds in the fan zone, checking out activities, giveaways, and of course, spending way too much money at the Pro Shop. In our defense, it was all shaded, and the merch was calling! Huge shoutout to the Steelers and Acrisure for providing free handheld misting fans, a total lifesaver in that heat and a small but mighty gesture that did not go unnoticed.

After blowing through what felt like our life savings in black-and-gold gear, we made our way to the shaded section where I parked myself for most of the day. I ventured out a few times to snap photos behind the goal line, but otherwise, I stayed planted. Through the smiles, I felt awful. Fatigue, a pounding headache, and overheating like I was baking under the sun in an air fryer. But I was in the Burgh, surrounded by family, and watching my boys on the field, so I powered through.

When practice ended, we headed to the fence in hopes of catching a player or two for autographs. I had already told myself I wasn’t going to push for one — I wasn’t feeling great, and the shade was my sanctuary. But then, out of nowhere, TJ Watt rolled up, popsicle in one hand, Sharpie in the other, ready to make fan dreams come true.

And just like that, I scored an autograph, without having to leave my shady comfort zone. Easily one of the greatest moments of the day. Thank you, TJ. My joints and I will never forget it.

Last thoughts

Going to Steelers Camp as a chronically ill person isn’t exactly easy, but was it worth it? Absolutely. Camp is a birthright, and as my third time attending, it delivered. Heat, rashes, joint pain, and all...it was magic.

This reminded me that you can still do the things you love — you just have to do them your way and at your pace. With careful planning, the right essentials, a solid support system, and space to rest when your body demands it, so much is still possible.

Just because my illness isn’t always visible doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Spoonies are some of the strongest people I know, navigating pain with a smile and showing up even when it hurts. And showing up counts.

What I’ve also learned is that sharing your struggles doesn’t make you dramatic or attention-seeking; it makes you human. Letting people in gives them the chance to support you. And honestly, that kind of understanding can be the difference between getting through the day and actually enjoying it.

I’m saving my last spoon for opening day, and yes, I’ll probably be recovering for a few days. Worth. Every. Second.

With grace & grit,

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Ever powered through something important on low energy?

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