When Should a Celebrity Reveal a Major Illness?
One of the most recent examples is Georgia Frontiere, the Rams owner, who died at 80 of breast cancer. Family members and team officials kept her illness a secret according to her wishes.
Battling disease can be difficult enough without having to worry about the extra attention and unwanted press that this kind of news can bring. Deciding to reveal an illness or a deeply personal issue is not only scary, it can leave one feeling vulnerable.
For a public figure facing this decision, not revealing a major illness might seem like the obvious choice. There are other reasons a celebrity might not want to reveal their illness, besides the unwanted press.
Being remembered for their work, not their disease is what most people desire. And, going public with a disease can be a career-ender, so many choose to keep their battles private.
Despite the difficulties in mentioning a serious illness to the public, much good can come from revealing it.
Speaking about the disease publicly can help raise awareness for it, and also help to encourage those at risk to get screened.
Lance Armstrong, a major sports figure who just won his 7th Tour de France race, revealed his battle with testicular cancer, even while his cancer metastasized to his lungs and brain.
Why do some celebrities choose to reveal their illnesses? I believe it’s because the act of revealing is purifying and restorative. The end-result is often clarity and a new purpose.
