Three Celebrities Who Battle Diseases and Inspire Others
by These remarkable celebrities are dealing with their own diseases, but still find ways to inspire others, and raising fund for research.
Normally I do not like to write about celebrities, because the media has them covered more than enough to keep us entertained. However, the people who you are about to see in this article are exceptional individuals with celebrities status. The press has mentioned them hundreds of times, and I just want to highlight these people because of their courage. They are truly amazing and admirable!
Patrick Swayze
I come to like him through many of his movies such as Ghost, Dirty Dancing, and The Outsiders among many other movies. He was born on August 18, 1952 in Houston, Texas. Unlike many other successful actors he remains married to Lisa Niemi since 1975, an honorable thing that many Hollywood celebrities lacked.
In January 2008, he was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, and he has been strong in fighting the cancer with a positive attitude. While at stage 4 with this disease, he still filmed The Beast for five months in Chicago.
ABC Barbara Walters did a complete one hour interview with Patrick Swayze, in which he shows courage, devotion to his personal life as well as his career, and a thrive to find cure for cancer.
Check out Stand Up To Cancer website to help Patrick Swayze finding a cure for cancer.
Michael J. Fox
Who doesn’t know this lovable man from Family Ties, Spin City TV shows, Back to the Future and Stuart Little movie series? Michael J. Fox was born on June 9, 1961 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This is an incredible talented man who also is a singer, writer, director, and producer. You can see a long list of his accomplishment here.
Michael J. Fox has been married to Tracy Pollan since 1987, and their relationship stays as strong as ever. For a much younger generation, Michael J. Fox and Patrick Swayze honor their marriage vows better than others do.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 while producing and acting in Spin City. Once he went public with this illness, Michael J. Fox began to lobby more researches for Parkinson Disease.
Oprah Winfrey had an interview with Michael J. Fox on his illness, and to promote his book Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist.
You can check out his foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research to help him find a cure for this disease.
Farrah Fawcett
She is best known for her role as Jill Munroe in Charlie’s Angels with her feather-like trademark hairstyle. Farrah Fawcett was born on February 2, 1947 in Corpus Christi, Texas. She married Lee Majors, the Six Million Dollar Man, for almost 10 years, and went on as the sex symbol for 1970 and 1980.
The Burning Bed and Extremeties movies earned Farrah Fawcett an Emmy Award, and the serious actress status.
In 1979, she met and shared her life with Ryan O’Neal until 1982. They took a break from each other and were back together since 2001. Farrah Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006, and had been since fighting this disease.
In May 2007, Farrah Fawcett along with her friend Alana Stewart, started to document her battle with this disease, and on May 15, 2009 the document was aired. As she continues to fight the cancer, she hopes that her document will inspire and help people who go through the same thing.
These three celebrities battle not only their own diseases, they are also trying to bring more awareness to cancer, raising funds for research, and inspire people to live their lives to the fullest even when they are sick.
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Post CommentCHAN LEE PENG
On May 19, 2009 at 2:31 am
They’re people with strong strength and we should learn from them!! Great inspiring article, sister! Thanks.
Anne Lyken Garner
On May 19, 2009 at 4:09 am
It’s so sad what happened to them, and of course to other everyday, average people out there.
An inspiring article that says we could be strong even when life hits us hard as it sometimes does.
swatilohani
On May 19, 2009 at 4:20 am
great inspiring article, thnx for sharing
valli
On May 19, 2009 at 4:44 am
These people are truly admirable. An inspiring read.
Francois Hagnere
On May 19, 2009 at 4:46 am
An excellent and important article. Our thoughts are with all those who suffer so much.
R.B. Parsley
On May 19, 2009 at 4:48 am
BC,
Its people like these that make a difference Their courage is the weapon they use to fight these deadly diseases, and it is the weapon of courage that one day will lead to a cure. But right now all we can do is cheer them on in the fight for their lives, in hope they will be the winner and not the disease. So Patrick, Michael, and Farrah, we salute you… March on, and may you win the war you are fighting. BC, Excellent article. Great to see you back!
Randy
Christine Ramsay
On May 19, 2009 at 5:32 am
I have seen a bit about these people on the news. They are among my favourite actors and it is so sad to see what they are going through. This is a lovely tribute to them. Well done.
Christine
Glynis Smy
On May 19, 2009 at 5:52 am
It shows that money cannot control the outcome of our lives. Sad stories, inspirational people.
Melody SJAL
On May 19, 2009 at 6:10 am
I have just watched Farrah Fawcett on TV the other day. Glad that you posted this. These actors are indeed remarkable.
S M Blomker
On May 19, 2009 at 7:07 am
everyone you have shown here has been worth watching on tv. They show those that are dealing with the same illnesses as them that they can fight as well.
Kate Smedley
On May 19, 2009 at 7:53 am
Totally agree with you, all three are so inspiring. I didn’t realise how ill Farrah Fawcett was until the other day .. excellent article.
Karen Gross
On May 19, 2009 at 10:11 am
I don’t wish suffering on anyone, but I think that every nasty disease could use a celebrity representative. Michael J. Fox is not only raising money and awareness, but he is teaching the public the medical jargon that goes with Parkinson’s. Now I can tell people that I am feeling dyskinetic or that I am going dystonic, and the one’s who watch Oprah know what I mean. There are other technical terms to describe whether the meds are working at the moment: “on” and “off”.
One characteristic of Parkinson’s that has many people confused is the fact that the symptoms are constantly changing throught the day.I forget which talk show host showed Fox getting skates on and playing hockey. When I have a few hours of “on” time, I love shopping, but I can’t go alone or for long because I have no idea when I’ll suddenly go “off” and either twist up with dystonic muscle cramps, or be wracked with the involuntary dyskinisia dance.
One thing, though, with celebrities is that they can afford (we assume) to have better medical care and assistance that the common person does not have access to.(I am not denying that they suffer like the rest of us and I appreciate that they are in a position to raise public awareness) Despite my Parkinson’s, I still responsibilities as a mom that I either have to delegate or do myself. Sometimes it is easier to endure the physical pain of doing something like cleaning the bathroom than the frustration of trying to get my kids to do it. It would be nice to be able to hire a housekeeper. Massagers and physiotherapy help alot, but my insurance only covers a portion of these costs.
Sorry to rant on like this, I’ll get off my soapbox now. Thanks for writing a great article, BC.
Katien
On May 19, 2009 at 10:24 am
Inspiring article. It would be very easy for these celebs not to raise awareness for their diseases, and yet they do, which is brave and admirable.
dee gold
On May 19, 2009 at 10:29 am
a must read article
BC Doan
On May 19, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Thank you everyone for your comments!
Karen Gross–rant on! I don’t mind a bit, and I hope they would find a cure soon for you and all others!
Jo Oliver
On May 19, 2009 at 2:07 pm
wonderful article. These folks are inspiring. I agree with Karen and would add Montel Williams.
DA Cournean
On May 19, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Thank you for showing pictures of better days in their lives.
Lex92
On May 19, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Great list of people! I think that people need figuers to look up to and it looks like these celebs are great for that when you are sick with some sort of disease! Great article!
quiet voice
On May 19, 2009 at 5:31 pm
…Hi, thank you for this article on these special people, who are very inspirational. Very good of you to share this information
with us. I am hoping that these individuals will get better with time. I have a friend who has Parkinson’s, he is going to go to one of his seminars in Philadelphia next month. Thanks again.
Mr Ghaz
On May 19, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Excellent!..great post and nice read..Thanks for sharing this great story..I always enjoyed reading your works.
Judy Sheldon
On May 19, 2009 at 8:16 pm
How inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
M J katz
On May 19, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Excellent article! You picked the three celebrities I was thinking of just prior to coming over here to read your story…they are among my favorite actors and actresses, and I basically “grew up” with them or so it seems!
I don’t wish these diseases on anyone but these talented individuals are doing so much good in educating the public as well as trying to provide a way for everyone to pitch in to help fight these awful diseases.
I could just be a paranoid pessamist but, as a nurse, I know that millions upon millions of dollars have been sunk into Research and Development for many years to try to find cures for cancers, Parkinsons, and the like…yet only a small percentage of cures have been found.
Is it possible…just possible…that real cures will never be found as long as these diseases ‘rake in the money’ for drug manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and the like? After all, if Cancer and Parkinson’s were cured today, a lot of companies would probably go under.
After watching so many wonderful patients die of these diseases throughout the years, I just wonder…..
goodselfme
On May 21, 2009 at 12:40 am
I Have the similar mindset as Katz.After working in the medical field and closely knowing the pharm. area as well, I state I believe that to be true.
Your post is precise and a tribute to all those stars fighting.
Debra.
On May 30, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Great article and tribute to those who have inspired, BC. They are all wonderful and inspiring celebrities. Michael J Fox has been a huge inspiration and motivator for a long time now.
Lorna Dykstra
On June 1, 2009 at 7:21 am
A great article which will also help to raise awareness.
Ruby Hawk
On June 2, 2009 at 7:20 pm
it’s sad to see our idols fall. Patrick Swayzw is a favorite of mine and Dirty Dancing was the greatest.We all go down though sooner or later. It’s the nature of the beast.
Moses Ingram
On June 10, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Thanks for a nice article. Sometimes we forget that even celebrities have their problems. Michael J Fox has inspired a lot of people and is someone that I admire.
Hazel Crowther
On June 12, 2009 at 6:02 am
Nice article and I second the previous comment from Moses Ingram.
MMV Abad
On June 16, 2009 at 9:56 am
This is a great tribute for people conquering their own health problems. Very inspiring too.
zoeyclark
On December 22, 2009 at 10:19 am
I can’t believe Patrick and Fawcett died…I know Fawcett mostly through my mom but I grew up with Patrick’s movies…
:(:(
Fingers crossed for Michael to kick Parkinson’s; at least to a certain degree.