‘Floored by…Kindness’: MS Fighter Selma Blair Remembers Going Public with Her Illness & Honors Americans With Disabilities Act Anniversary

This month marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, a U.S. civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. The ADA was passed on July 26, 1990, and it was life-changing for so many differently-abled Americans. This week, Blair used her voice to draw attention to this groundbreaking act, and also speak about her experience with MS, and how she felt after she went public with her disease.

Blair shared a picture of herself wearing a white outfit and a cream-colored hat, and she writes, “On the anniversary of the ADA, I'm remembering the day I first spoke publicly about my MS. Floored by the kindness of people I didn't know well or at all, I sought to steady myself, as I do, through books. As we celebrate #ADA31 and Disability Pride Month, I want to thank these ruthlessly bright individuals whose talent and heartfelt commandeering lead me to my own awareness. My north stars who have given me new ways of carrying myself – literally and figuratively.”

 

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The actress’s famous followers, such as Paralympic bronze medalist Amy Purdy, commented on the post with words of love and support. Blair’s friend and Legally Blond and Cruel Intentions co-star, Reese Witherspoon, writes, “Love you and all the wonderful humans who inspire you to keep showing us your light!”

Blair’s Battle with MS

Blair was diagnosed with MS in 2018. It’s a disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of the body's nerves. MS essentially disrupts communication between the brain and the body. Symptoms of the disease can include vision loss, pain, fatigue, and impaired coordination.

Related: MS Fighter Selma Blair Celebrates Her 49th Birthday & Thanks Disability Advocates: 'I Live a Better Life'

Following her diagnosis, Blair took to Instagram to share the news with fans and followers. In a 2018 post discussing her illness, she wrote candidly: "I have multiple sclerosis. I am in an exacerbation…I am disabled…”

She continues to say, “…I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken gps. But we are doing it. And I laugh and I don't know exactly what I will do precisely but I will do my best. Since my diagnosis at ten thirty pm on The night of August 16, I have had love and support from my friends…"

Mental Health… How Are You Coping?

Chemotherapy Side Effects

Blair has used chemo to treat her MS. This type of treatment often used to treat cancer, has some well-known side effects, such as hair loss. Other side effects of this treatment can include pain, nausea and vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, and various nervous system effects. For pain management and appetite stimulation, some people chose to use medical marijuana during their chemotherapy.

Thankfully, as a result of newer technologies, some of these negative side effects can be somewhat mitigated. Cooling caps can be used to reduce hair loss that some people experience as a result of chemotherapy.

Related: Complete Guide to Wigs for Cancer Patients: Cost, Types and Where to Buy

If you’re experiencing hair loss due to chemo and its negatively impacting your emotional or mental health, speak with your oncologist about options available to you, like cooling caps or wigs.

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