Which Celebrities have Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects moisture-producing glands, leading to dryness in the mouth and eyes, along with fatigue and joint pain. Despite these debilitating symptoms, many celebrities have not only continued with their careers but have also raised awareness of this under-recognized condition.

Several celebrities have continued their careers while raising awareness for Sjogren’s syndrome, including tennis champion Venus Williams, Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba, musician Solange Knowles, and artist Halsey, who openly discuss their experiences with this condition, helping to reduce stigma and foster greater understanding.

Venus Williams

The iconic tennis champion, Venus Williams, was diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome in 2011 after struggling with unexplained fatigue and joint pain. Although her diagnosis forced her to take a break from tennis, Venus returned to the sport and has since become a vocal advocate for Sjogren’s awareness. Her transparency has helped to destigmatize autoimmune diseases and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and proper management.

Carrie Ann Inaba

Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba has openly discussed her experience with Sjogren’s syndrome. Diagnosed after years of symptoms and multiple misdiagnoses, Inaba has since become an Awareness Ambassador for the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation. She uses her platform to encourage others to adopt self-care practices such as meditation and yoga, which help her manage symptoms. Through her advocacy, Inaba provides inspiration and support to those navigating similar health journeys.

Solange Knowles

Singer and artist Solange Knowles disclosed her Sjogren’s syndrome diagnosis in 2018, alongside her struggles with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Knowles’s journey with these interconnected conditions highlights the complexity of autoimmune and dysautonomia disorders. Her public disclosure has been particularly impactful in creating visibility for Black women with chronic illnesses, inspiring many with her strength and advocacy within the chronic illness community.

Halsey

Known for their evocative music, Halsey revealed that they have Sjogren’s syndrome, along with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), POTS, and MCAS. Diagnosed after years of unexplained symptoms and misdiagnoses, Halsey’s openness about their health battles has contributed significantly to public awareness of these often misunderstood conditions. Their story resonates with fans and emphasizes the challenges of managing multiple chronic illnesses.
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Other Celebrities with Autoimmune Conditions

Many other celebrities have been diagnosed with autoimmune disorders, some of which have overlapping symptoms with Sjogren’s syndrome, such as fatigue and joint pain. These stars have also shared their health journeys, further raising awareness of autoimmune conditions:

• Selena Gomez (Lupus): The singer and actress has spoken openly about her battle with lupus, an autoimmune disease that has led to significant health challenges, including a kidney transplant.
• Lady Gaga (Fibromyalgia): The pop star has been vocal about her struggles with fibromyalgia, a chronic illness that causes widespread pain and fatigue, conditions common in other autoimmune diseases.
• Phil Mickelson (Psoriatic Arthritis): The professional golfer has lived with psoriatic arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and swelling, for many years. Mickelson has raised awareness of the disease and shared his approach to managing it through medication and lifestyle changes.

Raising Awareness for Autoimmune Diseases

Public figures like Venus Williams, Carrie Ann Inaba, and others have significantly increased public interest in autoimmune diseases and Chronic illness. Their openness has helped bring attention to conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, and fibromyalgia, which are often misunderstood or overlooked. By sharing their personal experiences, these celebrities have played a key role in educating the public, promoting research, and encouraging others to seek proper care for their health.

Through their advocacy, they have highlighted the challenges of living with invisible illnesses, inspiring others to take control of their health while fostering empathy and understanding.

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References

• Ortiz, Aimee. "Halsey Reveals Illness in New Song, Saying They Are 'Lucky to Be Alive'." The New York Times, 4 June 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/04/arts/halsey-illness-new-album.html. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
• The EDS Clinic. "Famous Celebrities with Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)." The EDS Clinic, https://www.eds.clinic/articles/famous-celebrities-with-hypermobility-and-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-eds. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
• Etienne, Vanessa. "Halsey Is 'Celebrating' Recent Health Diagnoses After Being 'Called Crazy': 'I've Been Sick for a Long Time'." People, 12 May 2022, https://people.com/health/halsey-is-celebrating-recent-health-diagnoses-after-being-called-crazy/. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
• "The EDS Trifecta." The EDS Clinic, Mar. 2024, https://www.eds.clinic/articles/eds-pots-mcas-trifecta. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
• The EDS Clinic. "The Link between Sjögren’s and Dysautonomia." The EDS Clinic, Apr. 2024, https://www.eds.clinic/articles/sjogrens-and-dysautonomia. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
• Kolirin, Lianne. "Halsey Reveals They Were Diagnosed with Lupus and a Rare Type of T-Cell Disorder in 2022." CNN, 5 June 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/05/entertainment/halsey-illness-lucky-alive-scli-intl/index.html. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
• Graves, Natasha N. "What Solange’s Announcement Means to Me." The Dysautonomia Dispatch, Dysautonomia International, 28 Dec. 2017, https://dysautonomiainternational.org/blog/wordpress/what-solanges-announcement-means-to-me.
• Longmire, Becca. "Solange Knowles Opens Up About 'Debilitating' Health Diagnoses: 'I Feel Really Grateful'." People, 25 Oct. 2024, https://people.com/solange-knowles-reveals-debilitating-health-diagnoses-8734182.

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