The Hollywood spotlight is often associated with glitz and glamour, but there are many celebrities whose fame was due to much darker circumstances. Outside of personal opinion or celebrities that have killed their careers by their own actions, being diagnosed with rare disorders is another way that some actors, actresses and athletes stand out from the crowd.
In this article, we are specifically referring to Polycythemia vera (PV), which is a rare form of blood cancer that can cause severe symptoms including fatigue, headaches, skin itching and even organ damage.
Over the years, several famous people have been diagnosed with PV, using their platforms to spread awareness about the condition and how it affects those living with it.
Jeff Bridges
Academy Award-winning actor Jeff Bridges was fighting this rare form of lymphoma until he went into remission in March 2022, People reported. Jeff Bridges is an American actor best known for his roles in films such as The Big Lebowski, True Grit, TRON: Legacy and Crazy Heart.
He has won numerous awards including the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in 2009’s Crazy Heart. His resilience and strength throughout his battle with polycythemia vera has been inspiring to many people.
Tom Brokaw
In an article he wrote for NBC, Tom Brokaw spoke of his experiences with this rare blood cancer. Brokaw is a veteran journalist who served as anchor and managing editor of the NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004.
He has earned numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including two Emmys and a Peabody. Tom’s openness about his battle with polycythemia vera has helped to raise awareness about this rare disease.
Larry Drake
L.A. Law actor Larry Drake’s death on March 17, 2016, was in part due to this rare blood cancer. Drake was an American actor best known for his roles in TV series such as L.A. Law and Dark Shadows as well as films like Dracula: Dead and Loving It and Mr Holland’s Opus.
During his lifetime he won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in L.A. Law. He was an incredibly talented actor and one of the first celebrities to speak out about polycythemia vera, helping to raise awareness for this disease.
Phyllis George
Former journalist and Miss America Phyllis George passed away from polycythemia vera in 2020, according to the Washington Post. Before becoming Miss America in 1971, she worked as a journalist and commentator on sports shows such as NFL Today and Inside Edition.
She was a successful businesswoman and served as the First Lady of Kentucky while her husband was governor. Her openness about her battle with polycythemia vera inspired others with the same condition to seek help and fight their illness bravely.
Joe Morgan
Joe Morgan was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera. He was a Hall of Fame baseball player who enjoyed a long and successful career as second baseman for the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros.
After retiring from Major League Baseball, he became an analyst on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts. His openness about his own struggles with polycythemia vera has been an inspiration to others living with this rare blood cancer.
Annette De Bow
Annette De Bow of Davis is an ardent outdoorswoman who was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer in 2008. She faced her illness head-on, undergoing treatment and surgery and remaining positive through it all.
Annette has turned her experience into something positive by sharing her story and encouraging others living with this disease, helping to raise awareness about polycythemia vera. Annette is an inspiration for those facing medical challenges and a reminder that strength and positivity can help us overcome anything.
Polycythemia Vera FAQ
Polycythemia Vera is a type of blood cancer that many people have questions about. To further provide our audience with more information on topic, we listed the FAQ below.
Is polycythemia vera always cancer?
No, polycythemia vera is not always cancer. It is a type of chronic myeloproliferative disorder (MPD). The prognosis for polycythemia vera varies greatly depending on the individual, but the overall life expectancy can be normal or near normal if treated properly.
What is the most common cause of polycythemia vera?
The most common cause of polycythemia vera is an acquired genetic mutation in your bone marrow cells, which cause them to produce too many red blood cells and other related types of white blood cells and platelets.
Is polycythemia vera fatal?
Polycythemia vera itself usually isn’t fatal, however it can increase your risk of complications such as stroke, heart attack, and some types of cancers.
That’s why it’s important to receive regular medical care and treatment for your condition to reduce those risks. With proper management, you can lead a healthy and active life.
Celebrities Dealing with Various Health Conditions
Celebrities are often seen as larger than life figures, but even they can suffer from medical conditions. Recently, several famous individuals have been diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera (PV), a rare blood disorder that affects the production of red blood cells.
To learn more about other celebrities and the many conditions they are dealing with, learn more about endometriosis and see which celebs are seeking help for mental health issues.
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