NEW LENOX, Ill. — Former Chicago Bears great Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael received a blood transfusion and was diagnosed with MRSA Saturday, according to an update from the family.
“Steve McMichael is
currently getting a blood transfusion and has MRSA. We are asking for
your prayers to get Steve through this difficult time. Steve and his
family and close friends believe in the power of prayer,” the update
reads.
According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MRSA — or Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus — is a cause of staph infection that is difficult
to treat because of resistance to some antibiotics.
McMichael was originally
rushed to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox on Thursday, with him
suspected of having a pneumonia. After being admitted to the hospital’s
emergency room, he was diagnosed with a Urinary Tract Infection and
prescribed a series of antibiotics to combat the UTI.
In an update Friday, family
said McMichael’s condition was improving and they anticipated him being
released from the hospital over the next few days.
McMichael and fellow former
Bears great Devin Hester were both announced as members of the class of
2024 to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame back on Feb. 8.
The man often known as Mongo
was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) back in Jan.
2021, and has been battling the disease with the help of his wife Misty
at their Homer Glen home ever since.
According to the ALS
Association, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects
nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
”Amyotrophic” comes from the
Greek language. “A” means no. “Myo” refers to muscle. “Trophic”
means nourishment. So, amyotrophic means “no muscle nourishment,” and
when a muscle has no nourishment, it “atrophies” or wastes away.
