Last Updated on January 28, 2023 by Lori Geurin
Recently, I’ve seen several stories in the news about famous people with Lyme disease. As more people come forward to share their experience with this debilitating disease, it brings much-needed awareness and can give hope to others.
Celebrities With Lyme Disease
I’m not typically into celebrity gossip, but I’m curious about reading these particular accounts. I like to keep up with current events and medical developments about Lyme. As it continues to affect more people, I believe we’ll hear more about it. And this may be part of what it takes to get better diagnostics and testing for patients.
Lyme Disease Ebook

Yolanda Foster And Lyme
I recently ran across an article about a model, Gigi Hadid, honoring her mother, Yolanda Foster. Yolanda and her 2 other children recently announced they have chronic Lyme disease.
- You can read the article here: Gigi Hadid tearfully honors mother in her struggle with Lyme disease
Disregard For Human Life

Mr. Dan K’s comments make my stomach turn. One might say that the comments reflect poorly on him but don’t affect the Lyme crisis. And there’s truth to that, to be sure.
But it also points to the stark difference in perspective between the Lyme patient struggling to survive and the vocal yet uneducated person who seeks to bring others down when they are physically weak and hurting.
Callous comments like these perpetuate misunderstanding and a lack of empathy for people fighting for their lives.
We need:
- support
- hope that they can get better
- proper diagnosis
- timely and adequate treatments
- appropriate insurance coverage of medical costs
For me, ignorant comments such as these strengthen my resolve to bring a voice to those impacted by tick-borne illnesses. But it’s also an excellent reminder to check our sources before believing everything we read on the internet.
When I returned to read the article a second time, I noticed his unkind remarks were removed.
I created a Lyme resource to help answer your questions. The guide provides you with:
- more details about Lyme and other tick-borne diseases
- valuable information on diagnosis and testing
- where to find financial help for Lyme patients
- prevention tips
- instructions for how to properly remove a tick
- and more…
all based on research. Simply click here to get the Lyme Disease Ebook.
Living Out Lyme Disease On Reality TV
She recently left the show to focus on her health and “restoring privacy” to her family. I appreciate all Yolanda and others have done to advocate and bring greater awareness to the seriousness of Lyme.
Other Famous People With Lyme
In recent years, more celebrities (and famous people) have come forward about having Lyme:
- Avril Lavigne
- Justin Bieber
- Former US President, George W. Bush
- Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates
- Alec Baldwin
- Ashley Olsen
- Richard Gere
- Ben Stiller
- Shania Twain
- writer, Amy Tan
- Debbie Gibson
- Jamie Lynn Sigler
Some are still battling ongoing symptoms, while others who were promptly treated have recovered.
Avril Lavigne
In a recent interview with People magazine, Avril Lavigne said,
I felt like I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t talk, and I couldn’t move. I thought I was dying.
If you have Lyme, you might relate to this. When I was bedridden, in the depths of the illness, I remember experiencing these same things and telling my husband I thought I was dying.
In the following video, Avril Lavigne shares more about her experience:
video courtesy abcNews.com
Summary – Celebrities With Lyme Disease
Celebrities have a platform to reach lots of people. Some prefer privacy with their health struggles, which is understandable, especially when many of their private lives are photographed for the world.
But in our media-obsessed world, celebrities have a unique opportunity to influence, encourage and educate others about Lyme. And this brings greater awareness, which is long overdue and desperately needed.
Can you think of other famous people who have Lyme? Do you or someone you love have a tick-borne illness?
Please share your thoughts below in the comment section.
If you would like to read more about Lyme disease, you’ll want to check out:
- Living With Lyme Disease, Part 2
- 21 Strategies To Fight Lyme Disease Naturally
- Is Chronic Lyme Disease Real? Part 1
- The Signs And Symptoms Of Lyme Disease
- Warning: Lyme Disease Is Spreading Faster Than AIDS
- Lyme Disease Awareness
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