Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can strike anyone at any time and being a celebrity does not make you immune. We’ve compiled a list of seven famous personalities who suffer from ulcerative colitis using information from health.com and everydayhealth.com.
Discover some yoga asanas for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease patients.
Marvin Bush
The youngest son of President George H.W. Bush, Marvin Bush was 28 when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 1985. Bush used his famous name to raise awareness of the condition and in 1990, became an advocate and spokesperson for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Bush’s UC was so severe he needed to have part of his colon removed and an ostomy bag fitted.
Fernando Pisani
The now-retired hockey player is most remembered for the time he spent with the Edmonton Oilers, though he did play a season with the Chicago Blackhawks. Pisani was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2005 and two years later the disease began to wreak havoc on his health. Pisani admitted that he needed to go to the bathroom more than 30 times a day and lost 40 pounds. He managed to get his condition under control with steroids and biologic medications.
Amy Brenneman
Actress Amy Brenneman is an Emmy award-winning actress famous for her roles in several TV shows including Private Practice, Judging Amy, and The Leftovers. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis during her second pregnancy and in 2010 underwent an operation to remove her colon. Brenneman is also an active spokeswoman for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.
What are the differences between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis? Find out here.
Casey Abrams
Casey Abrams shot to fame on the reality talent show American Idol when he was 20 years old. The jazz singer was missing from one of the elimination episodes in season 10 after being hospitalized because of his ulcerative colitis and needing two blood transfusions during his recovery.
Gregory Itzin
Hollywood actor Gregory Itzin manages his ulcerative colitis through diet and medication. The star of 24 and The Mentalist is an advocate for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America and recorded a series of public service announcements for the organization in 2010.
John F. Kennedy
The 35th President of the United States was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (or colitis as it was then called) in 1934. It said that Kennedy suffered from diarrhea for most of his life and took antispasmodic drugs to help control his ulcerative colitis.
Sir Steve Redgrave
The British five-time Olympian rower was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 1992 just prior to the Barcelona Olympics and five years later with diabetes. Now 54 years old, Redgrave is an active member of Crohn’s and Colitis UK helping to raise money and awareness of inflammatory bowel disease.
Read about 10 foods which may improve your life with IBD.
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