(some of them may surprise you!)
Until someone like Michael J. Fox steps forward for my illness, we’ll never really get the funding and awareness we need.
I hear people say that a lot because… well let’s face it, it’s true! Michael has propelled Parkinson’s research ahead a solid 50 years with the money and awareness he’s raised. It’s hard to believe other high powered, rich, influential celebrities don’t battle some of our illnesses too. If they do, they are good at keeping it quiet (which is their right) but is sad for all the people it could help.
Here are some of the celebrities that have done anything from mention their battle in a few sentences in an article, to actually joining the front lines with Alex P. Keaton.
LUPUS:
Michael Jackson – Pop Star - After Michael’s death, medical doctor (& Michael’s spiritual leader) Deepak Chopra told People magazine that his longtime friend suffered from Lupus for many years. There are many pictures of him with what could easily be a Lupus rash on his face. It might also explain all those umbrellas and his avoidance of the sun.
Wife of Rob Thomas – Singer from Matchbox 20, solo career – has a Lupus Like / autoimmune condition. He has been very outspoken about it, even writing the beautiful song “Tears Like Diamonds” all about her struggle every day. (I highly recommend listening to the song!)
Tony Braxton: has been on the forefront of being outspoken about her battle against Lupus
Lady Gaga – Pop Star – On Larry King Live, the world famous pop star said she has Lupus in her family and “the truth is I don’t show any signs, any symptoms of lupus. But I have tested borderline positive for the disease. So as of right now … I do not have it. But I have to take good care of myself”. (Gaga has recently had to cancel several shows because of health problems).
Louisa May Alcott – Author - Alcott contracted typhoid fever and was treated with a compound containing mercury. Recent analysis of Alcott’s illness, however, suggests that her chronic health problems may have been associated with an autoimmune disease, not acute mercury exposure. Moreover, a late portrait of Alcott shows rashes on her cheeks, which is a characteristic of Lupus.
CHRONIC PAIN:
George Clooney © by Josh Jensen
George Clooney - Actor – The actor suffered a debilitating back injury while filming the 2005 thriller Syriana; hitting his head on the floor during a violent scene, he tore the dura (the wrap around the spine that holds in spinal fluid). He told reporters that, prior to a number of corrective surgeries, the pain was so bad that he thought “ending it all” seemed like a viable option. Despite undergoing surgery to reinforce his spine with bolts, Clooney says the injury has never completely healed.
ME/CFS:
Marie Curie – Polish-born French Physicist & Chemist- At the age of 15 she suffered from what has been described as fatigue, exhaustion and nervous troubles. The illness left her feeling extremely lethargic and she spent a year recuperating in the Polish countryside.
Charles Darwin – Naturalist- When he arrived back in England after travels to South America and Pacific Islands, he started suffering from what has been described as fatigue, pains, abdominal troubles, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, etc. Medical journals suggest that he may have had ME/CFS.
Michael Flatley - Dancer: Lord of the Dance – came down with a very severe case of ME/CFS. He said he literally couldn’t move and was completely bedridden for a year, he did some alternative therapies that he believes cured him.
Cher
Cher - singer & actress – In 1992, Cher took some time off from her career. She was reported as saying that she caught the Epstein Barr virus, which later turned out to be ME/CFS. “Boy, it was devastating for me…I wasn’t able to work for almost three years,” the singer added.
Michelle Akers- Former Olympic soccer player – Michelle documented her struggle with CFS in one of her biographies.
FIBROMYALGIA:
Florence Nightingale – English Nurse – Her illness began after she returned from the Crimean War and spent years housebound, too fatigued to talk to more than one visitor at a time. Her birthday, May 12, is celebrated as International ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.
Sinead O’Conner – Singer / Songwriter – In 2003, O’Connor revealed in an interview with Dublins Hot Press magazine that fibromyalgia was a key factor in her announcing her retirement from music. The singer admitted to having a high pain threshold but she just couldn’t handle the exhaustion that came with it.
Janeane Garofalo – actress & comedian – she made jokes in some of her performances about the meds her Doctor gave her for her Fibromyalgia
Morgan Freeman – actor - has become a spokesperson to raise awareness for Fibromyalgia after developing it from a severe car accident 4yrs ago. “It’s the fibromyalgia,” he says when asked in an interview why he was wincing and grabbing his arm. “Up and down the arm. That’s where it gets so bad. Excruciating.”
LYME DISEASE:
Ally Hilfiger – socialite / daughter of fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger – In Aug 2011, at the age of 26, Ally spoke out that she had been battling Lyme Disease for 19yrs & was misdiagnosed for 11 of those yrs. She underwent antibiotics for 7yrs and said she had been feeling completely better fora full year now.
Jami Lynn Sigler - Actress – The “Sopranos” actress contracted Lyme in 2008 in New Jersey and was hospitalized when her legs became paralyzed. “It was such a life-altering experience,” she said. “I realized it could all be taken away in a moment.” Sigler was treated with antibiotics and recovered completely.
Alec Baldwin - Actor – Alec has discussed his experience with Lyme disease with the NY Times, saying his symptoms return annually.
Richard Gere – Actor – Richard had to delay filming Autumn in New York with Winona Ryder when he contracted Lyme. “This is one scary disease,” he said. “I felt as though every ounce of strength had gone from my body. Within hours I could barely lift my head from the pillow.” He was diagnosed and treated quickly.
Yolanda Foster – reality show actress / married to songwriter David Foster - Yolanda recently came forward about her serious battle against Lyme Disease. While receiving an award from the Lyme Research Alliance in April, the fitness and healthy living fanatic said the disease had turned her from a “tough cookie” into “a shell of the woman I used to be.” She is now doing much better after receiving treatment.
Let’s hope more people keep speaking up, so all our voices get louder!
info from healclick.com