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Fans on social media praise the star for bringing awareness to the disease, while many currently living with MS offer words of support and encouragement.
After a moving encounter during a wardrobe fitting for her upcoming Netflix series "Another Life," Selma Blair decided to reveal her recent multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
The veteran actress wrote the post in part to praise costume designer Allisa Swanson, who patiently worked with her during the process, even going so far as to help dress her as needed, with Blair saying Swanson "not only designs the pieces Harper Glass will wear on this new Netflix show, but she carefully gets my legs in my pants, pulls my tops over my head, buttons my coats and offers her shoulder to steady myself."
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She went on to praise and appreciate the "understanding producers" at Netflix, willing to work with her as she described her condition as "in an exacerbation," which indicates worsening symptoms.
"I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken gps," Blair revealed. "But we are doing it."
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According to the actress, she was first diagnosed on August 16, and spoke of the emotional and psychological struggle's she's endured since then. "I am in the thick of it but I hope to give some hope to others. And even to myself. You can't get help unless you ask," she explained. "I am a forthcoming person and I want my life to be full somehow. I want to play with my son again. I want to walk down the street and ride my horse. I have MS and I am OK."
In a way, the actress described the diagnosis as a relief, because it gave some clarity to years of symptoms, speculating that she's probably had MS for 15 years. It was "Saved by the Bell" actress Elizabeth Berkley who recommended Blair see her brother, who was able to provide the diagnosis after seeing lesions on her MRI.
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View StoryShe also thanked the support of famous friends like Jaime King, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. And after her touching post, Blair received even more support from celebrities and fans around the world via social media, including many kind words of support and encouragement from people living with MS themselves.
damn, it's hard to know what to say, except i'm terribly sorry to hear this, and thank you for your courage and for coming forward, selma. you're helping hundreds of thousands of people. Selma Blair Reveals Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis | Hollywood Reporter https://t.co/DowTufN2iA
@MeganMullally
You are a stellar being, Selma Blair. Your truth and honesty will help so many. Blessings on your journey #MS #SelmaBlair Reveals Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis in Emotional Instagram Post - The Hollywood Reporter https://t.co/t6FUTALWBI
@rosemcgowan
Hi @SelmaBlair I'm a #MultipleSclerosis sister. I was diagnosed 13 years ago. We're grateful you told us because so many are afraid to. I promise you will be ok. The diagnosis is scary, but it gets better. I promise. Please let me know if I can help. You are not alone. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Mo2UpeH6uB
@JaniceDean
I was dxd with MS at 30.
@VABVOX
I can so relate to how #SelmaBlair feels.
I am grateful to all celebs who share their dx stories.
They help demystify #disability & broaden awareness. #CripTheVote
Selma Blair emotionally reveals #multiplesclerosis diagnosis: https://t.co/qfRzdxcl5k
Hi @SelmaBlair I'm a #multiplesclerosis sister too like @JaniceDean and I've been diagnosed for 18 years. Thank you for sharing your diagnosis because we all are here to suppprt each other. There is life to be lived and let us know how we can help you in your journey. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5BTNywxHNj
@krysflorida
@SelmaBlair I to was diagnosed with MS in 2016. Thank you for sharing your story. I am glad that you prove that people can still live life with the disease. More power to you and @Montel_Williams. I have new people to look up to regarding this disease.
@Skya0922
STAY STRONG NOT ALONE!
@HolmesCarolyn23
@SelmaBlair my prayers are w/you. I understand as I am an #MSWarrior
@mChefsmith
Diagnosed in 2014. Im suppose to be in a wheelchair but I keep walking, moving & living. Never give up. Together w/@mssociety we are #MSStrong ❤️ pics of me getting my MS Drug infused pic.twitter.com/vrgZwFgM7S
They just found 14 lesions on my brain, heading to Cleveland Clinic next month. We will rise above 🙌🏻
@kellyproudUSA
You will be fine..I've had it for 18 years. I was lucky enough to be diagnosed quickly so treatment was started right away. That's important!!! Prayers for you! ⚡️ “Selma Blair reveals multiple sclerosis diagnosis”https://t.co/DZdyX4jskV
@catsnexttime
@SelmaBlair told the world she has MS, and now loads of people aren't afraid to talk about their chronic illnesses. that's real influence. i don't have MS but i have an unnamed autoimmune disorder (bc only 7 known people have it) and i have chiari malformation. we're with you.
@caite_m8
I am grateful that people like #SelmaBlair and @JackOsbourne are so open and honest about their #MS it is a very personal condition that is different for every #MSWarrior but knowing we are not alone is both encouraging and heart lifting 🙏 @mssociety
@FriendsUnitedUK
I'm 28 years into MS Selma. The current available treatments and info are wonderful. Stay active, learn, and you'll be fine. There are lots of resources out there. All my best! 🌹
@THEHOKIE
Admiring Selma Blair's bravery. Celebrities fighting autoimmune disease in public brings awareness, research and strength to others in a similar boat.
@mstewartsloan
Thanks so much to @SelmaBlair for speaking up so few people understand this Disease we need awareness but most of all we need a cure! #MS #findacure wishing you all the best Selma! https://t.co/bCU6Muzs7R
@mamarocks2
@SelmaBlair Heard the news, I'm crushed...wife and I have love and prayers for you and your family. Stay strong...didn't know what else to do except we made a large financial donation to the MS foundation.
@iamdribbles
I hope this woman stays strong. One of the first actors I've ever had the pleasure of working with. #ms #MultipleSclerosis "Selma Blair reveals multiple sclerosis diagnosis" https://t.co/zqEzilQ7nV
@RATEDAR
"Another Life" is a science fiction drama series that also stars Katee Sackhoff, Tyler Hoechlin and Justin Chatwin. Currently in production, Netflix has not yet scheduled a premiere date.
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