Money isn’t everything you know. These stars seem to have it all, but I bet they’d pay a pretty penny to rid themselves of their chronic illnesses. Let this serve as a reminder that being healthy is the greatest gift of all, and that at the end of the day, even the greatest celebrities are still just human. 10. Toni Braxton (lupus) This vibrant singer has been known as the celebrity face of lupus, revealing to the public what living with the auto-immune disease looks like, and even writing songs about it. Flickr | Louise Palanker 9. Missy Elliot (Graves Disease) While most people remember Missy Elliot from the 2004 hit single “1,2 Step” (which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration) few people are aware of the fact that Missy has Graves Disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism. Flickr | adifansnet 8. Magic Johnson (HIV) While this former basketball legend was hailed for his unique ability to play every position in the game, his seeming untouchability on the court couldn’t prevent him from contracting HIV. Since he tested positive for the virus, our old crony Magic has been a major advocate for HIV testing and a strong supporter in the efforts to find a cure. Flickr | Cliff1066 7. Nick Cannon (lupus) Actor, rapper, comedian, show host, entrepreneur; Nick Cannon’s list of professional pursuits goes on and on. Is there anything this guy can’t do? And with lupus, no less! Pretty impressive, if you ask me. He’s also married to Mariah Carey, which would almost instantly earn the respect of many men (Mariah also happens to be more than 10 years Cannon’s senior). Flickr | Phoenix House: Rising Above Addiction 6. Selena Gomez (lupus) 22-year-old Selena Gomez is yet another singer living with the auto-immune disease lupus. Flickr | AleeDear 5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Leukemia) Another Laker legend, six-time NBA Champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is known by basketball fans worldwide for his renowned skyhook. The 7’2″ Abdul-Jabbar is also an actor and best-selling author, but may not be quite as well known for his leukemia, which he was diagnosed with in 2008. Flickr | Kip-koech 4. Lil Wayne (Epilepsy) Despite often addressing himself as “Weezy,” hit rapper Lil Wayne does not have asthma. The artist behind popular songs such as “Lollipop,” “Mr. Carter,” “A Milli,” “6 Foot 7 Foot” and others has epilepsy, suffering from severe seizures, which he has spoken about publicly on occasion. Flickr | sportiqe 3. Halle Berry (Diabetes) Who doesn’t like Halle Berry? The actress and former model has been commended for successfully balancing short, manageable, and sexy hair. She also happens to have diabetes, and even did a commercial for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Flickr | brava_67 2. Tom Hanks (Diabetes) Whether you love Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump or the FedEx employee in Cast Away who bonds with a volleyball, this actor is known and adored by all. But even with a net worth of $350 million, this celeb still deals with type-2 diabetes along with millions of other Americans. Flickr | Alan Light 1. Kim Kardashian (Psoriasis) No, even Kim Kardashian isn’t perfect. This television personality has psoriasis, although I don’t think she’s very fond of publicizing that fact, and has become quite adept at concealing her dermatological condition. Flickr | Kalumba2009 Source
