Ever since Selma Blair went public about her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, she has been nothing short of real about her journey.
From opening up about how intense her symptoms can be to poking fun at the reality she now lives in, Selma has become a beacon of awareness for MS.
Here’s to her, and to the people struggling with it across the world. We salute you.
When she revealed her struggle for the first time
In an Instagram post, Selma praised the kindness of costume designer Alissa Swanson for designing her costumes to accommodate her body.
This was her own way of telling everyone she had the disease — by thanking those around her for their support.
When she revealed what life was like pre-diagnosis
She told Good Morning America that she dealt with her symptoms primarily through self-medication.
When she was in the most pain, she would drink to try and dull it. This was especially true if her son wasn’t with her.
When she talked about her memory problems
In another post, she mentioned the issues she has with her memory, and that she may forget what she’s doing in the middle of doing it.
She was recalling what this photoshoot was for — brain cancer.
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When she reached out for help
After she found out her diagnosis, she contacted Michael J. Fox.
Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991. The two met up recently to commiserate and reminisce with Jennifer Grey.
When she poked fun at her motor skills
Failing motor skills? Not a problem.
Selma decided to indulge in some silliness and post a video of herself brushing her face in bronzer with a giant makeup brush.
Her laugh is everything!
When she was honest about her home situation
She described herself as “house bound.” She missed the premiere of the film After because her body wanted to be at home.
She thanked Jaime King for stocking her house with flowers every week, as it’s hard for her to be outside.
When she talked about losing her eyelashes
Shortly after her diagnosis, her eyelashes started falling out.
In the same post where she discussed being home bound, she pointed out the issues with her lashes.
She’s lost most in her right eye, and her left eye has started losing them, too.
When she played the drums
To work on her hand-eye coordination, she posted this video of herself trying to get a drum beat right.
She also noted that her voice is intermittent, and depends on a number of different factors!
When she talked about spirituality
She posted this picture of herself on a Sunday morning.
In her post, she talked about how much she relates to an eagle, and how it flies unafraid of the elements. She believes it is her spirit animal.
When she hit up Disney in a wheelchair
She and Sarah Jessica Parker became major #BFF goals when they were spotted kicking around Disneyland together.
Sarah was pushing Selma’s wheelchair, which the paparazzi caught photos of. Selma posted one of the photos…
When she talked about being unashamed
…But had to take it down, since she didn’t own it. She wanted to clarify, though:
“Not because I was ashamed or embarrassed, but because it isn’t my picture. I am not giving up on having some recovery. Or at least getting stabilized.”
When she said it’s okay to give her help
She went over some of her symptoms .
She also said this: “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.”
When she posted scans of her brain
Rather than shy away from what’s happening to her brain, Selma actively embraces it.
The red and green lights are active lesions. She said:
“I love seeing images of my brain. I want to see. I want to see everything I can.”
When she looked back
The story behind this picture is extraordinary.
What seems like a #tbt is really a look into life as she lives it: with some good, and some bad.
“Under the table my leg was dead. I couldn’t stay awake and my right hand couldn’t find my mouth. But I was happy.”
When she went out and did the damn thing
She dedicated a post to her dear friend, Troy Nankin, who helped her achieve everything she wanted to on Oscar night.
“I felt the warmth of the bulbs. The strength of my gown. His attentive touch. And still I hoped my brain could send signals for the remainder of my time there.
And I sobbed. And I appreciated every single second.”
