Multiple Sclerosis is a debilitating disease that affects the central nervous system leading to nerve damage throughout the body and parts of the spinal cord and brain. Although MS affects every patient differently, the disease can severely affect a person’s ability to move freely, communicate, and have proper urinary and bowl control. In men, the disease can severely affect sexual function leading to erectile problems and impotency. Throughout history, there have been brave people who have gone public after being diagnosed with MS and have gone on to raise the spirits of fellow MS sufferers and educate the public about this debilitating condition. Here are some notable people who have helped raise awareness of the disease by bravely sharing their story.
Annette Funicello (1942 - ) was one of Disney’s original “Mouseketeers” in the 1950’s and became a famous teen idol, starring in many films including, The Shaggy Dog and Babes in Toyland. She also released hit songs as a recoding artist and became a beach icon starring in the films like Beach Blanket Bingo and Beach Party alongside teen heartthrob Frankie Avalon. Later in life, Annette became a popular spokesperson for many household products, including Skippy Peanut Butter. Annette would be diagnosed with MS in the late ‘80s, and fearing the public misunderstood her shaky appearance with that of an alcoholic, she announced he had MS. To battle MS, she established the Annette Funicello Fund for Neurological Disorders at the California Community Foundation in 1993.
Comedian Richard Pryor (1940 - 2005) has been called the “Picasso of our profession” by comedian Jerry Seinfeld for revolutionizing American comedy through his frank discussion of race, contemporary issues, drugs and his personal life with deft observations and brilliant story telling techniques. In addition, Pryor starred in many hit films, including Stir Crazy, Bustin’ Loose and The Toy and he co-wrote one of the most revered comedies of all time, Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles. Pryor was diagnosed with MS in 1986 and towards the end of his life and, in typical Pryor fashion, was quoted as saying, “the drugs didn’t kill me, the fire didn’t kill me, and my ex-wives didn’t kill me, there is no way I’m going to let the MS kill me.”
Montel Williams (1956 - ) is the first African American enlisted Marine to complete and graduate both the Academy Prep School and Annapolis. After his military career in 1991, he went on to host the Daytime Emmy-award winning, nationally-syndicated Montel Williams Show which ran for 17 years. In 1999, Montel announced that he was diagnosed with MS. In an effort to raise funds for MS research, Montel created The Montel Williams MS Foundation and to this day he is committed to raising awareness, raising funds for research and providing inspiration to those who have MS.
