You may be surprised at this list of famous people with asthma. Some of the people who are listed here have achieved greatness in areas of physical ability. Sports participation is not something that you would expect an asthma sufferer to be able to do.
The American Lung Association defines asthma as a reversible obstructive lung disease. It is a chronic condition that can make you more prone to problems like pneumonia. Once you have asthma it doesn’t just “go away”.
Even though you may be fine in between attacks the inflammation that causes asthma often requires daily treatment. Asthma can make you short of breath or just flat unable to breathe. Your body goes through the motions but no air gets in. It is a scary situation.
Most people know that in my family we battle several chronic health issues. Asthma is just one of the challenges. I have it as do both of my daughters.
Like any chronic illness, asthma does not define who we are. Instead, in a sense, we define them. Everyone has limitations on what we can do or achieve. This isn’t always health related. Many times, those boundaries exist in our psyche.
To me, having a chronic illness isn’t about what I can’t do. It’s about what I can do.
That’s why I like looking at lists of famous people with (insert your illness here). It gives me hope and helps keep me focused. If the people on this list can make their achievements then maybe I can do whatever I need to do today.
Here is a list of famous people who have asthma:
Jackie Joyner-Kersee is an Olympic medalist and philanthropist. Not only did she win several gold medals but she is beating asthma.
Billy Joel is a singer, songwriter and piano man. He is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has performed for groups around the globe. Billy Joel also has asthma.
Ricki Lake is an actress and former talk show host. The Internet Movies Database also lists her as having adult onset asthma.
Loni Anderson has done it all. She is a famous actress who is known for the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnatti. She is a mother, daughter and spokesperson for the National Lung Health Education Program. According to Ability Magazine, she was approached because her life had been impacted by asthma.
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia lists these individuals on their list. Look for the full page on their website at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Ludwig Von Beethoven – Famous composer.
John F. Kennedy – US President 35th President of the United States
Rev. Jesse Jackson – Pastor, politician, activist
Kristi Yamaguchi – Olympic figure skater
Included on the list for the Asthma Initiative of Michigan are
Alberto Salazar – Marathon Runner
Peter the Great – Russian Czar
Antonio Vivaldi – Italian baroque composer
For more information on Famous People with asthma please see the above links and the resources section.
Source:
Above URLs
Personal Experience
Reference:
- www.lungusa.org/
- www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/asthma.html
- www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/Asthma_WhoIsAtRisk.html
