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When Should a Celebrity Reveal a Major Illness? |
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Written by Jeannie Giordano
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Tuesday, 25 March 2008 |
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Georgia Frontiere, the Rams owner, who died at 80 of breast cancer, is a recent example. According to her wishes, her illness was kept a secret by family members and team officials.
by JeannieGiordano
Georgia Frontiere, the Rams owner, who died at 80 of breast cancer, is a recent example. According to her wishes, her illness was kept a secret by family members and team officials.
Deciding to reveal an illness can leave one feeling exposed and vulnerable. Having to worry about the added attention and press this kind of news can bring is especially difficult while battling disease.
It might seem obvious why a celebrity or public figure facing this decision would choose not to reveal a major illness. In addition to the unwelcome press, there are more reasons why a public figure might choose not to reveal their illness.
Most people, celebrities included, want to be remembered for their work, not their disease. Also, going public with a disease can effectively end their career, so many choose to keep their battles private.
Great goodness can come from revealing a major illness, despite the difficulties in doing so.
Speaking about the disease publicly can help raise awareness for it, and also help to encourage those at risk to get screened.
Lance Armstrong, a major sports figure who just won his 7th Tour de France race, revealed his battle with testicular cancer, even while his cancer metastasized to his lungs and brain.
What is the reason these celebrities reveal their illnesses? I have a hunch it's because the act of confessing is restorative. Clarity and a new purpose is often the end-result.
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