Heart Matters: Wylie Aronow’s Tough Call
In a heartfelt announcement, NFT entrepreneur Wylie Aronow, co-founder of Yuga Labs, known for creating popular digital collectibles like the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) and CryptoPunks, shared some heavy news. Following a diagnosis of congestive heart failure, he has decided to take a leave of absence from his role to prioritize his health. This decision comes after a series of symptoms that he, rather boldly (or foolishly), chose to ignore while trying to keep his hustle going.
From Symptoms to Diagnosis: The Journey
In a candid tweet on January 28th, Wylie detailed his journey, shedding light on a reality many of us face: ignoring red flags in pursuit of our professional goals. He admitted that symptoms appeared “out of the blue” last year, and like many workaholics, he delayed seeking help. After countless tests, his doctor delivered the harsh news, prompting Aronow to re-evaluate his life choices.
“I should have taken the advice from everyone around me and sought balance.”
The Push and the Pause
Wylie’s symptoms may be deemed “mild,” allowing him to maintain a relatively normal life, but stress can do strange things to seemingly benign conditions. As the saying goes, sometimes you need to hit pause before you can play again. And for Aronow, that means stepping back from the frenetic pace of the NFT world. While he has not set a date for his return, he assures fans that he will remain involved as a board member and strategic advisor.
A History of Health Struggles
Amazingly, this isn’t the first time Aronow has faced health challenges. In his twenties, he dealt with another chronic illness, which hindered his career progress. Coming out the other side, he vowed to live life to the fullest. But as he reflects, workaholism sometimes isn’t the badge of honor it appears to be; it can take a toll, especially when combined with a demanding industry like NFTs.
Looking Ahead: New Leadership and Goals
As Aronow steps into wellness, Yuga Labs is preparing for its new chapter under the leadership of Daniel Alegre, formerly of Activision Blizzard. With change often comes excitement, and Aronow expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Alegre and supporting the company in a lighter role. While he may hold back on the hammering out of NFT royalties for now, his fresh perspective will no doubt be valuable in shaping future initiatives.
A Community Rallying Together
Through adversity, there’s always the positive of community support. Aronow’s tweet garnered a wave of love from fans and colleagues alike. Yuga Labs affirmed their unwavering support, echoing the sentiment that taking care of oneself is the priority. They reminded us all that while the NFT world spins fast, personal health is paramount.
