Autoimmune Warrior

Did you know that the following celebrities have autoimmune diseases? Unfortunately, being an A-lister does not exempt you from having health problems. Read on to learn about their powerful stories of hope and living with chronic illness.

1. Selena Gomez

In 2015, it was revealed that Selena Gomez suffered from Lupus, an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack its own vital organs, skin, joints and other tissues. Selena also disclosed that she was undergoing chemotherapy as part of her treatment.

Her life took a dramatic turn in 2017, when her doctors advised that she would need a new kidney. Thankfully, her best friend, Francia Raisa, generously donated her own kidney to Selena, undergoing an intensive, 6-hour organ transplant surgery. Although the surgery seems to have had a positive impact on Selena’s physical well-being, she admits that Lupus has also taken a toll on her mental health, causing her to experience depression, panic attacks and anxiety. She has become an advocate for Lupus awareness, and was co-chair at the 2017 Lupus Research Alliance Gala.

2. Venus Williams

Tennis all-star Venus Williams shocked the world in 2011 when she revealed that she had been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called Sjogren’s Syndrome. Sjogren’s primarily affects the body’s moisture-producing glands, resulting in symptoms such as dry eyes and mouth, severe fatigue, and joint pain.

Venus attributes the disease to taking longer to recover from injury, and was forced to withdraw from the U.S. Open in 2011 due to her symptoms. However, she believes in a “never give up” mentality, and has adopted a vegan diet to improve her overall health. Venus also became an Honorary Chairperson for the Carroll Petrie Foundation Sjogren’s Awareness Ambassador Program to raise awareness about the disease.

3. Jack Osbourne

Jack Osbourne, son of heavy-metal singer Ozzy Osbourne and reality TV personality Sharon Osbourne, was devastated to learn that he had been diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in 2012.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system, and can result in a diverse range of symptoms, from mobility and speech issues, to pain and even blindness. Jack revealed in an interview that he was diagnosed with MS after noticing a black dot in his vision, that turned out to be optic neuritis, an inflammation of the eye nerves that resulted in 90% blindness in his right eye. Despite the diagnosis, Jack is determined to live a fulfilling life, and has partnered with a neuroscience organization to create the international campaign “You Don’t Know Jack About MS” to raise awareness about the disease.

4. Wendy Williams

Wendy Williams shocked viewers when she fainted on live TV during an airing of her daytime talk show, Wendy. When she returned after a three-week, doctor-ordered hiatus, Wendy revealed that she had been diagnosed 19 years prior with Grave’s Disease, which may have contributed to her fall.

Grave’s Disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland. Symptoms are varied, but may include hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), bulging of the eyes, heart palpitations, weight loss, and fatigue. During a segment with Dr. Oz, she discussed her struggle with the condition, and has used her platform to raise awareness for the disease.

5. Winnie Harlow

24-year old model Winnie Harlow rose to fame at a young age as a contestant on Tyra Banks’ reality TV show, America’s Next Top Model. The Canadian model revealed that growing up, she had been a victim of vicious bullying due to having a chronic autoimmune skin condition called Vitiligo, which causes the destruction of melanocytes, resulting in a depigmentation of the skin.

Winnie did not allow her autoimmune condition to stop her modelling career, however, and has modeled for international brands such as Desigual and Swarovski. She has become an outspoken advocate for self-love, presenting a TedxTalk on the topic and participating in Dove’s Real Beauty campaign.