Living with a chronic illness can be a significant challenge, and even celebrities are not immune to these conditions. Despite their fame and fortune, many celebrities have spoken publicly about their struggles with chronic illnesses, raising awareness and helping to reduce stigma. From autoimmune disorders to neurological conditions, here are 29 celebrities who have bravely shared their experiences with chronic illnesses.
1. Selena Gomez's Kidney Transplant
Selena Gomez underwent a kidney transplant in 2017 due to complications from lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain. She has been open about her struggles with the condition, using her platform to raise awareness and support for lupus research.
2. Lady Gaga's Fibromyalgia
Lady Gaga has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle pain and fatigue. She has used her music and public platform to raise awareness about the condition and reduce stigma around mental health.
3. Nick Jonas's Type 1 Diabetes
Nick Jonas was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13 and has since become an advocate for diabetes awareness and research. He has used his platform to educate fans about the condition and promote healthy living.
4. Christina Applegate's Multiple Sclerosis
Christina Applegate was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021, a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system.
She has been open about her struggles with the condition, using her platform to raise awareness and support for MS research.
5. Michael J. Fox's Parkinson's Disease
Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991, a neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. He has since become a leading advocate for Parkinson's research and awareness, founding the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
6. Shannen Doherty's Breast Cancer
Shannen Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and has since undergone treatment and reconstruction. She has been open about her experiences, using her platform to raise awareness about breast cancer and support for cancer research.
7. Toni Braxton's Lupus
Toni Braxton has been living with lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain. She has been open about her struggles with the condition, using her music and public platform to raise awareness and support for lupus research.
8. Charlie Sheen's HIV
Charlie Sheen was diagnosed with HIV in 2015, a chronic condition that affects the immune system. He has been open about his experiences, using his platform to raise awareness about HIV and reduce stigma around the condition.
9. Halle Berry's Diabetes
Halle Berry was diagnosed with diabetes in 1989, a chronic condition that affects blood sugar levels. She has been open about her struggles with the condition, using her platform to raise awareness and support for diabetes research.
10. Danny Wood's Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Danny Wood, a member of the boy band New Kids on the Block, has been living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic condition that affects the digestive system. He has been open about his struggles with the condition, using his platform to raise awareness and support for IBS research.
11. Cyndi Lauper's Psoriasis
Cyndi Lauper has been living with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and scarring. She has been open about her struggles with the condition, using her platform to raise awareness and support for psoriasis research.
12. Rick Harrison's Crohn's Disease
Rick Harrison, star of the reality TV show "Pawn Stars," has been living with Crohn's disease, a chronic condition that affects the digestive system. He has been open about his struggles with the condition, using his platform to raise awareness and support for Crohn's research.
13. Kathleen Turner's Rheumatoid Arthritis
Kathleen Turner has been living with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. She has been open about her struggles with the condition, using her platform to raise awareness and support for arthritis research.
14. Sinead O'Connor's Bipolar Disorder
Sinead O'Connor has been living with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that affects mood and behavior. She has been open about her struggles with the condition, using her platform to raise awareness and support for mental health research.
15. Howie Mandel's OCD
Howie Mandel has been living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a mental health condition that affects behavior and thoughts. He has been open about his struggles with the condition, using his platform to raise awareness and support for OCD research.
16. Padma Lakshmi's Endometriosis
Padma Lakshmi has been living with endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects the reproductive system.
She has been open about her struggles with the condition, using her platform to raise awareness and support for endometriosis research.
17. Montel Williams's Multiple Sclerosis
Montel Williams was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system. He has been open about his struggles with the condition, using his platform to raise awareness and support for MS research.
18. Neil Cavuto's Multiple Sclerosis
Neil Cavuto was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1997, a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system. He has been open about his struggles with the condition, using his platform to raise awareness and support for MS research.
19. Melissa Etheridge's Breast Cancer
Melissa Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and has since undergone treatment and reconstruction. She has been open about her experiences, using her platform to raise awareness about breast cancer and support for cancer research.
20. Bret Michaels's Type 1 Diabetes
Bret Michaels was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 6 and has since become an advocate for diabetes awareness and research. He has used his platform to educate fans about the condition and promote healthy living.
21. Emily Maynard's Multiple Sclerosis
Emily Maynard, star of the reality TV show "The Bachelorette," has been living with multiple sclerosis, a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system. She has been open about her struggles with the condition, using her platform to raise awareness and support for MS research.
22. Jennifer Esposito's Celiac Disease
Jennifer Esposito has been living with celiac disease, a chronic condition that affects the digestive system. She has been open about her struggles with the condition, using her platform to raise awareness and support for celiac disease research.
23. Daryl Hall's Lyme Disease
Daryl Hall, lead singer of the band Hall & Oates, has been living with Lyme disease, a chronic condition that affects the nervous system. He has been open about his struggles with the condition, using his platform to raise awareness and support for Lyme disease research.
24. Amy Purdy's Bacterial Meningitis
Amy Purdy, a professional snowboarder, was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis in 1999 and had to have her legs amputated below the knee. She has been open about her experiences, using her platform to raise awareness about meningitis and support for disability awareness.
25. Jonathan Knight's Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Jonathan Knight, a member of the boy band New Kids on the Block, has been living with generalized anxiety disorder, a mental health condition that affects thoughts and behavior. He has been open about his struggles with the condition, using his platform to raise awareness and support for mental health research.
26. Kristin Chenoweth's Chronic Migraines
Kristin Chenoweth has been living with chronic migraines, a condition that affects the nervous system and causes severe headaches. She has been open about her struggles with the condition, using her platform to raise awareness and support for migraine research.
27. Sarah Hyland's Kidney Dysplasia
Sarah Hyland, star of the TV show "Modern Family," has been living with kidney dysplasia, a chronic condition that affects kidney function. She has been open about her struggles with the condition, using her platform to raise awareness and support for kidney disease research.
28. Randy Jackson's Type 2 Diabetes
Randy Jackson, a judge on the TV show "American Idol," has been living with type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects blood sugar levels. He has been open about his struggles with the condition, using his platform to raise awareness and support for diabetes research.
29. Jane Fonda's Osteoporosis
Jane Fonda has been living with osteoporosis, a chronic condition that affects bone density and increases the risk of fractures. She has been open about her struggles with the condition, using her platform to raise awareness and support for osteoporosis research.
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Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.