Bodybuilding icon Ronnie Coleman, the eight-time Mr. Olympia, is opening up about a health scare that nearly took his life. In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram and TikTok on Tuesday, July 15, Coleman shared the challenging journey he’s faced over the past few weeks after being diagnosed with sepsis.
In the video, the 61-year-old fitness legend expressed his gratitude for his 13-year-old daughter, crediting her with saving his life. “Your boy was hit with sepsis, and it nearly killed me.
Had it not been for my 13-year-old daughter, it probably would have,” he said, hinting that his daughter’s quick thinking or actions played a crucial role in his survival, though he did not go into further details.
Sepsis: A Dangerous Condition
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection goes haywire, leading to widespread inflammation and potential organ failure. According to the Mayo Clinic, untreated sepsis can result in septic shock, which causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure and damages vital organs, such as the kidneys, liver, and lungs.
Coleman’s battle with sepsis marked one of the toughest challenges of his life. Despite facing multiple health battles throughout his career, he admitted that nothing had prepared him for this. “I’ve been faced with battles in my life, but nothing like this,” he shared in the video.
The Role of Family and Faith
In his emotional video, Coleman reflected on his recovery, expressing gratitude for his family and the support he’s received.
“I’m still here because the grace of God still wants me to be here,” he said, emphasizing the importance of his faith during this difficult time. Coleman also extended thanks to his fans, noting how their support has been invaluable in helping him through his ordeal.
His wife, Susan Williamson, who he married in 2016, and their four daughters, have been by his side throughout this journey. Coleman also has two daughters from a previous marriage, and his wife has two children from a prior relationship.
Supporting Sepsis Awareness
Determined to use his platform for good, Coleman announced that he would be supporting the Sepsis Alliance through his Ronnie Strong movement. This initiative aims to raise awareness about sepsis and contribute to the Sepsis Alliance’s mission of saving lives and reducing suffering through education.
According to his family, a portion of the proceeds from Ronnie Strong will be donated to the Sepsis Alliance to support its advocacy efforts. Coleman’s transparency about his health struggle has made him a vocal advocate for sepsis awareness, and he hopes his story will save lives. “If sharing my story can help save even one life, then it’s all worth it,” he said.
A Message of Strength and Gratitude
Ending the video with his signature optimism, Coleman expressed his dedication to staying strong and remaining a positive force.
“Stay strong, Stay informed and thank you for always lifting me up,” he wrote in his caption, adding a heartfelt message about the importance of being informed and taking action when it comes to health issues like sepsis.
Coleman’s journey serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the power of family, faith, and community. As he continues his recovery, Coleman remains committed to using his voice to advocate for others and raise awareness about the dangers of sepsis.
