A look at Chief Opechancanough, possibly the first known case of MG
The paramount chief led the Powhatan Confederacy until his death in 1646
Despite being a key figure in early American history, his story isn’t taught in most American history classes. His name was Chief Opechancanough and he played a pivotal role in the struggle between the Native Americans and English colonists.
Even without his military and political accomplishments, he still deserves a place in our history books. Opechancanough is believed to be the first known case of myasthenia gravis (MG). A 2006 article published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation documents this:
“The first described case of MG is likely that of the Native American Chief Opechancanough, who died in 1664, as reported by Virginian chroniclers: ‘The excessive fatigue he encountered wrecked his constitution; his flesh became macerated; his sinews lost their tone and elasticity; and his eyelids were so heavy that he could not see unless they were lifted up by his attendants … he was unable to walk; but his spirit rising above the ruins of his body directed from the litter on which he was carried by his Indians.'”
Opechancanough, whose name means “he whose soul is white,” was born in the mid-16th century and rose to become the paramount chief of the Powhatan Confederacy, a coalition of more than 30 Algonquian-speaking tribes in present-day Virginia. He was the younger brother of Wahunsenacawh, better known as Chief Powhatan, father of the famous Pocahontas. After Powhatan’s death in 1618, Opechancanough assumed leadership of the Powhatan Confederacy. This period was marked by rising conflict and tension with English settlers.
In 1622, Opechancanough orchestrated one of the most significant acts of resistance in Native American history. On March 22, his warriors launched a surprise attack on English settlements, killing over a quarter of the Virginia Colony’s population. According to Encyclopedia Virginia, “Intended not as a genocidal measure but simply as a warning for the English to leave, the attack did not succeed and instead initiated the Second Anglo-Powhatan War.”
Opechancanough spent his life struggling to preserve his people’s way of life. As the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s website notes, “he was ultimately unsuccessful but would come closer than any of his peers in early America to succeeding.” He led one final uprising in 1644, despite having partial blindness and needing his followers to carry him. He was captured by the English colonists and died in captivity at nearly 100 years old.
Resilience in the face of MG
How many of us with MG can relate to that? We still want to show up and play our part in life, even if we need a cane, a nap, or an infusion just to get through the day. Often, we may look fine, but beneath the surface, we’re battling symptoms, insurance denials, medication issues, and misunderstandings.
Those of us living with rare and chronic illnesses may not choose our battles, but we can choose to face them with courage and grace. Even when events seemingly strip us of our autonomy, abilities, or voice, there remains the fierce dignity of having stood our ground. As 2 Corinthians 4:8 (King James Version) says, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.”
Our community asks for understanding, not pity. We don’t surrender easily. While our resilience isn’t always visible to others, we draw upon it daily. Even when we feel too tired to go on, it pushes us forward.
Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.
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