One thing for sure about Lupus is it doesn’t discriminate. No matter you socioeconomic status, anyone can get lupus. While researching the disease, I found there are many celebrities that we all are familiar with that have lupus. A total shock to me and one of the most famous sufferers of lupus was Micheal Jackson. Michael was diagnosed with the disease in 1984, shortly after his hit album Thriller. Reportedly there are numerous pictures of him with what could easily be a lupus rash on his face and the lupus might explain his avoidance of the sun. Another singer, Seal battled discoid lupus when he was a child. His trademark facial scarring, butterfly rash, is a result of the disease. Even former President George Bush Sr. and wife Barbar’s famous pet springer spaniel, Millie, suffered from lupus. I was not aware, but it appears animals can get the disease as well. America's Next Top Model star Mercedes Scelba-Shorte, also known as Mercedes Yvette, revealed she had lupus while on the show. I saw that episode and for me, that was my first time ever even hearing of the disease. Symptoms Mercedes had that were displayed on screen was hair loss and spots or around the hairline. Toni Braxton recently admitted to having lupus after her failing health caused her to cancel entire concert tours. The new edition to the “celebrities with lupus” category is comedian and America’s Got Talent host Nick Cannon. Nick open up about his battle with lupus early this year after being hospitalized for kidney failure, common in patients with lupus, in January and then hospitalized again, weeks later, with blood clots in his lungs. The blood clots were found to be directly connected to his kidney infection. Other celebrities with disease are actress Jasmine Guy, American Idol contestant Leslie Hunt, sister of Sharon Stone Kelly Stone, and even Lady Gaga!
So why is this important? Celebrities being the face of the disease bring exposure to it that many would never have. Take me for example, I first learned of the disease by watching a reality competition television show. The type of awareness these celebrities can bring to the disease can contribute to more people being aware of the signs and symptoms and seeking help if they feel they may be sufferers of the disease. Lupus is one of the most serious rheumatic diseases and early diagnosis and control of symptoms are key for a positive prognosis. Though I’m not a celebrity, I am doing my part to spread the word about Lupus and I hope those of you who view and read my blog do the same!
Until next time, check out the images and link below, comment, and post!
Thanks for reading!!!
http://cure4lupus.org/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=148&chapter=2
This was very interesting. The first thing that jumps out at me was that I did not realize that animals could also develop this disease as well as humans. It makes me wonder if the disease would have the same effect on a dog as it would have on a human being or if it could be better or worse with their different immune systems or the fact theyre covered in hair (skin sensitivity). It was also interesting and enlightening to see how many people have lupus that I had no idea about. It shows just how common this dieases it, how undiscriminating, and how people in all walks of life can have a life struggle such as a disease. I used to work with someone who has lupus so I was already aware of it before coming into the program but it has definetly been helpful learning all about the disease and what exactly it does so that you can understand what exactly theyre going through other than losing hair "from time to time".
ReplyDeleteReading your post, it’s amazing to discover which celebrities we know have lupus. I knew Seal had suffered from lupus because of his scars, and I remember Nick Cannon was hospitalized a couple months ago due to kidney failure caused by a different form of the same disease. I’m just now learning that Michael Jackson also had lupus. He also had vitiligo. Vitiligo is a condition that causes depigmentation of some areas of the skin. The combination of lupus, vitiligo, and the medications he used to treat these autoimmune disorders caused him to appear very pale as an adult.
ReplyDeleteWow, I did not know animals could have lupus! I also wonder if dogs would have the same symptoms as humans, Whitney, so I looked it up. Two types of lupus occur in dogs: discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and systemic lupus erythmatosus (SLE). DLE, referred to as "collie nose" or "nasal solar dermatitis" is one of the most common immune-mediated skin diseases in dogs. Symptoms of DLE include paleness of the skin on the nose, skin redness, skin flaking and scaling, skin ulcerations, scarring, skin crusting, etc. Most of these signs are found on the face, lips, and bridge of the nose. Symptoms of SLE in dogs and other information can be found on
ReplyDeleteThe website I found this info on is www. petwave.com/Dogs/Dog-health-center/Immune-Disorders/Lupus.aspx
DeleteI totally agree with you on informing others about Lupus. Nicole Paxson who is the founder of Nicole Paxson Cosmetics has lived with lupus since the age of 12. She is the daughter of television stars, Bud Paxson and Marla Paxson. Since 12-years of age, Nicole survived exhausting doses of Chemotherapy, sun sensitivities, blood disorders, plus the red "butterfly rash". Nicole wanted to change the face of the disease by creating a cosmetic line that allows all types of women, no matter what challenges they've faced, the ability to regain their confidence through flawless skin. Paxson products provide maximum coverage for problems in skincare and the highest SPF sun-protection. A percentage of Paxson proceeds are donated to lupus and skin disorder research.
ReplyDeleteYes, I completely agree! I made a comment on an earlier post about celebrities drawing attention to the awareness of Lupus. The first time I ever heard of Lupus was after watching a episode of America's Next Top Model. The contestant did not seem sick, but as the show progressed one could tell that the disease did have its ups and downs. Luckily she did not let the disease get the best of her, which means, at least to me people with Lupus are not sentenced to a death sentence, and can lead, for the most part normal lives with proper healthcare techniques.
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