Selma Blair has written candidly and emotionally about the most personal of topics.
On Saturday, the actress revealed that she has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
This disease affects the central nervous system, disrupting the flow of information within the brain.
It is not a death sentence, although those afflicted live on average seven years fewer than those who have not been diagnosed.
It is debilitating, however.
Blair posted a selfie on Instagram over the weekend and proceeded to explain why she came forward with her “profound” story.
She did so by giving credit to costume designer Allisa Swanson, who is working on her upcoming show Another Life, detailing how Swanson designs her wardrobe on the show…
… but also “carefully gets my legs in my pants, pulls my tops over my head, buttons my coats and offers her shoulder to steady myself.”
Wrote Blair of her illness:
“I am in exacerbation. 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. But we are doing it.”
Blair hopes to use her platform to assist others, but also admits that she could use a lot of help herself.
“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.
“But 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.
Continued the star, perhaps best known for her big screen role in Cruel Intentions:
“But if you see me, dropping crap all over the street, feel free to help me pick it up. It takes a whole day for me alone. Thank you and may we all know good days amongst the challenges.”
Blair also appeared opposite Charlie Sheen on FX’s Anger Management and also portayed Kris Jenner on the first season of American Crime Story.
In response to her open and honest post, Blair has received support from strangers on the Internet and friends in the entertainment business.
“I love you, I’m proud of you, and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for you,” wrote Sarah Michelle Gellar, while her husband, Freddie Prinze Jr., added:
“Love you Mama.”
Blair, who was diagnosed in mid-August, said she thought she just had a “pinched nerve” prior to receiving her diagnosis.
She estimates that she has had MS for about 15 years.
The cause of MS is still unknown, but women have a much higher diagnosis rate than men.
There is no cure.
Tweeted actress Megan Mullally to Blair:
“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.”
Blair also heard from others suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. To wit:
We admire thes strength and courage of Selma Blair.
She will remain in our thoughts and in our prayers.