Dianna Cowern, widely known as Physics Girl, has made significant contributions to science communication through her engaging and educational content. Her sudden absence from content creation raised concerns among her dedicated followers.
Dianna’s struggle with Long COVID has been both profound and challenging. Long COVID, a post-viral syndrome following COVID-19 infection, presents with a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. It can impact one or more systems, including the immune, cardiovascular, and neurological systems. While research has made progress, there are still no approved curative treatments for Long COVID, and management is largely symptomatic.
To let people know how Physics Girl is doing and to support broader research into ME/CFS and Long COVID, Dianna’s husband and her YouTube colleagues organized a live-streaming event. This fundraiser has already raised over $150,000, demonstrating a strong community commitment to addressing these health challenges. The fundraiser is ongoing, and additional contributions are crucial for advancing research and finding effective treatments.
To learn more about Physics Girl’s Long COVID journey and the ongoing efforts to support research, watch the interview with Linda Tannenbaum, founder of OMF.
Dianna’s New Reality: The Daily Struggles with Long COVID
The battle between Dianna Cowern and Long COVID has drastically transformed her day-to-day life, leaving her bedbound and reliant on support for even the simplest tasks. Known for her boundless energy and passion for science communication, Dianna now faces severe physical and cognitive challenges. Severe fatigue not improved by rest and profound brain fog, often associated with ME/CFS, have significantly impacted her ability to engage in the work she loves.
The Symptoms: How Long COVID Changed Everything
Physics Girl’s illness is marked by a range of debilitating symptoms that disrupt even the simplest aspects of daily life. She battles extreme fatigue, a persistent and overwhelming exhaustion that never seems to fade, no matter how much rest she gets. In addition, she suffers from severe brain fog, making it difficult to concentrate or perform basic cognitive tasks. Activities that once came naturally, such as researching scientific concepts or filming videos, now feel insurmountable. Moreover, she experiences sensory hypersensitivities to light, sound, and odors, which exacerbate her discomfort and limit her ability to engage with the world around her.
Dianna also experiences muscle pain and other physical limitations. These symptoms often fluctuate, with some days being more manageable than others. However, minor activities can sometimes trigger “crashes” — periods where symptoms worsen, making recovery difficult and leaving her unable to function. These unpredictable crashes drastically affect her quality of life.
Support Systems and Management Strategies
Managing Long COVID requires a delicate balance of rest and activity to prevent and mitigate post-exertional malaise (PEM). Dianna has adopted a strategy known as pacing, where she carefully manages her energy to avoid triggering crashes. This activity management strategy helps her navigate her new reality, but it requires constant vigilance and self-discipline.
Dianna’s support system is essential to managing the challenges she faces. Her husband has been a steadfast source of help and care, providing both physical assistance and emotional support. Additionally, her wider community of friends, family, and even her online followers has rallied around her, offering encouragement and financial support through fundraisers. This network plays an invaluable role in helping Dianna manage the many challenges Long COVID presents.
A Lifeline of Hope: The Livestream That Made a Difference
Dianna Cowern’s live stream event wasn’t just about raising funds; it became a lifeline of hope for others battling ME/CFS and Long COVID. The event highlighted the urgent need for research funding, while also connecting Dianna’s personal battle with a broader, shared struggle. The outpouring of support—from those who’ve faced similar hardships to those who’ve only recently learned about these debilitating conditions—served as a powerful reminder that no one is fighting alone. As over $150,000 was raised, it became clear that this was not just a fundraiser, but a movement toward finding solutions for millions affected worldwide.
With limited treatment options available, the need for scientific exploration and breakthroughs has never been greater. Dianna’s story exemplifies why ongoing research into ME/CFS and Long COVID is so vital. The funding from the livestream will directly support studies aimed at better understanding these conditions, ultimately leading to more effective treatments. Learn more about current research to see how these efforts are shaping the future of post-viral illness care.
Highlights from the Event
The livestream featured expert insights into Long COVID and ME/CFS, addressing common questions about symptoms, potential treatments, and ongoing studies aimed at understanding these chronic complex diseases. Dianna’s candid sharing of her struggles resonated with viewers, many of whom shared their own experiences in the chat. Comments from others living with ME/CFS highlighted the powerful connection within the community, with many expressing how the event made them feel seen and understood. Dianna’s bravery and openness strengthened the sense of solidarity and hope among viewers.
How Your Contributions Make an Impact: Supporting Dianna and the Fight Against Long COVID
Your contributions have the power to transform the future for individuals like Dianna, who face the daily struggles of Long COVID and ME/CFS. These funds are crucial in advancing cutting-edge research that seeks to uncover effective treatments, improve diagnostics, and provide relief to millions who are battling these debilitating conditions. Every dollar raised helps support vital studies, expand our understanding of these illnesses, and pave the way for a brighter future for patients worldwide.
Beyond financial support, raising awareness is equally essential. By sharing Dianna’s story and the ongoing fight against Long COVID, you can help increase visibility for these under-researched and under-funded conditions, which will in turn drive more attention and funding towards finding long-term solutions.
This ongoing effort requires the collective strength from all of us at OMF as well as the community. Please help support Long COVID research by donating now. By staying engaged, spreading awareness, and continuing to donate, you are making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected each and every day.
Donate your appreciated stock directly to OMF and you can receive an immediate income-tax deduction for the fair market value of the securities on the date of transfer (even if you originally paid much less for them).