Famous Celebrities with Gastroparesis

Celebrities with Gastroparesis

1. Raven Walton (Big Brother 19)
2. Sandy Honig (Comedian, Three Busy Debras)
3. Lisa Brown (Model, Activist)
4. Emma Kok (Singer, The Voice Kids)
5. Loretta Harmes (Food Influencer)
6. Halsey (Musician) – While Halsey has not explicitly mentioned gastroparesis, her symptoms are consistent with the condition.

Deep Dive into Celebrities with Gastroparesis

1. Raven Walton
   Raven Walton from Big Brother 19 has openly discussed her battle with gastroparesis. She relies on a gastric pacemaker to assist with digestion and has undergone multiple surgeries, including a hysterectomy. Raven continues to use her platform to spread awareness about gastroparesis, hoping to educate others about the condition and the challenges faced by those with chronic illness.
2. Sandy Honig
   Sandy Honig, the comedian behind Three Busy Debras, has also brought attention to gastroparesis. Her viral video, where she vomits at an insurance office in protest of a denied procedure, resonated with many patients frustrated by the healthcare system. Her candid, humorous approach has shed light on the daily struggles of living with gastroparesis.
3. Lisa Brown
   Lisa Brown was diagnosed with gastroparesis and a type of vascular compression called superior mesenteric artery syndrome in 2012. She required feeding tubes for five years before passing away in 2017. Lisa’s story continues to inspire awareness for gastroparesis and serves as a poignant reminder of the seriousness of the condition.
4. Emma Kok
   Emma Kok, a young singer known from The Voice Kids, was diagnosed with gastroparesis at age 11. Despite using feeding pumps to manage her nutrition, Emma has continued to inspire with her talent and resilience, balancing her singing career with the challenges of living with the condition.
5. Loretta Harmes
   Loretta Harmes, a food influencer, has been unable to eat for over eight years due to gastroparesis. Diagnosed in 2015, she relies on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) but continues to engage with her audience through her love of food, demonstrating that the condition does not diminish her passion or creativity.
6. Halsey
   Although Halsey has not confirmed a gastroparesis diagnosis, her struggles with gastrointestinal issues, particularly related to her Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), are consistent with the symptoms of gastroparesis. Halsey has been open about her health struggles, including EDS, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), all of which often overlap with gastrointestinal problems like gastroparesis.

Celebrities Who Helped Raise Awareness with the Pie Face Challenge

1. David Price (MLB Player, Boston Red Sox)
2. Brock Holt (MLB Player, Boston Red Sox)
3. Rick Porcello (MLB Player, Boston Red Sox)
4. Andrew Belliveau (Gastroparesis Advocate)

Deep Dive into Celebrities Involved in the Pie Face Challenge

1. David Price
   David Price, an MLB pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, took part in the Gastroparesis Pie Face Challenge, helping to raise awareness and funds for gastroparesis research. His participation brought significant visibility to the cause, particularly within the sports community.
2. Brock Holt
   Brock Holt, another Boston Red Sox player, joined the Pie Face Challenge to show support for gastroparesis awareness. His involvement helped expand the campaign's reach and further encouraged donations to G-PACT, a non-profit organization supporting people with gastroparesis.
3. Rick Porcello
   Rick Porcello, a Red Sox pitcher, also participated in the Pie Face Challenge, contributing to the spread of awareness about gastroparesis and helping boost the visibility of the condition among the broader public.
4. Andrew Belliveau
   Andrew Belliveau, the creator of the Gastroparesis Pie Face Challenge, has been living with gastroparesis since childhood. Inspired by the Ice Bucket Challenge, Belliveau launched the campaign to spread awareness and raise funds for gastroparesis research, uniting athletes and public figures in the effort.

Gastroparesis and Its Connection to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Gastroparesis is frequently linked to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), particularly hypermobile EDS (hEDS). EDS is a connective tissue disorder that affects various parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. In patients with EDS, weakened stomach muscles can contribute to delayed gastric emptying, a hallmark of gastroparesis.

EDS patients often suffer from a range of issues such as joint hypermobility, chronic pain, and autonomic dysfunction, all of which can complicate the management of gastroparesis. Gastrointestinal issues, including gastroparesis, are common in EDS due to the connective tissue’s role in supporting the digestive system. A multidisciplinary approach is often required to manage the array of symptoms experienced by those with both conditions, involving specialists like geneticists, gastroenterologists, and physical therapists.

References:

1. 21-Year-Old with 'Paralyzed Stomach' Fights to Find Cure - People. Available at: https://people.com/health/21-year-old-with-paralyzed-stomach-fights-to-find-cure/
2. Big Brother: Raven Walton Health Update – Hysterectomy and More - SoapDirt. Available at: https://soapdirt.com/big-brother-raven-walton-health-update-hysterectomy-and-more/
3. Comedian Sandy Honig on Her Viral Video, Vomiting at Health Insurance Office - Teen Vogue. Available at: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/sandy-honig-video-q-a
4. Breaking Down What Halsey’s Diagnoses Really Mean, According to Doctors - E! News. Available at: https://www.eonline.com/news/1330649/breaking-down-what-halseys-diagnoses-really-mean-according-to-doctors

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