A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report stated that out of 10 Americans, six suffer from a chronic illness or a long-term medical condition that is treated for a long time. The rate doesn’t exempt anybody – even celebrities have come out with their own stories detailing their battle against diseases.
Opening up about their struggles ultimately inspires their fans who are also going through a tough time: just imagine seeing someone so popular stand up and reveal about their sickness. Here are some stars who are fighting chronic illnesses:
Nick Jonas
At 13, Nick Jonas was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, which is the rare kind. In fact, the “Jealous” singer is one of the 1.25 million Americans suffering from the condition that happens when the body produces only little to no insulin.
Opening up in 2017 at the Radio Disney Music Awards, he said the diagnosis came at a time when he and his brothers, collectively known as the Jonas Brothers, were just starting with their career in music. There is no known cure to treat the illness but patients are required to take insulin every day.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian may be successful in her business venture called KKW Beauty but that doesn’t mean her psoriasis doesn’t act up every now and then. It was first revealed in the clan’s E! reality show, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” where the elite panicked over the red patches on her skin. Since then, she has become more accepting of the autoimmune skin condition, even sharing to her fans the treatments she tries to keep the itchiness at bay.
Selena Gomez and Nick Cannon
Apart from being celebrities, what do Selena Gomez and Nick Cannon have in common? They both were diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes fatigue and joint pain. The former Disney child star revealed what she was going through in 2015 and two years after, the complications required a kidney transplant. Luckily, she found a donor, her friend Francia Raisa.
Lady Gaga
The “A Star Is Born” actress shared she was battling fibromyalgia, which causes extreme body pain, tiredness, and sleeping problems, in her documentary “Gaga: Five Foot Two.” The National Health Service said that this illness affects women seven times more than men.
As for Lady Gaga, the disease has greatly affected her – in one instance, she had to cancel a concert in Brazil because of the unbearable pain. Sadly, there is no cure for it although the symptoms can be treated with proper medication and lifestyle change.
Sarah Hyland
“Modern Family” star Sarah Hyland has never ceased to shut down naysayers giving unsolicited comments about her body. Last year, she lashed out against critics who pointed out that she was losing too much weight. The 28-year-old explained that this was a result of health problems. The “Geek Charming” actress is suffering from kidney dysplasia.
