Sunday, November 8, 2009
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Struggling with having an 'invisible disability'

Published 02/04/07


In 1987, when Annette Funicello staggered slightly and slurred her words after being introduced by Frankie Avalon, some in the audience were shocked. They assumed she was drunk. An alcoholic.

Photo no longer available
Photo by Wendi Winters — For The Capital Marika Bates describes her myasthenia gravis as an “invisible disability.” Many people have misunderstood her disease and assumed she’s lazy or just trying to get out of work because she looks healthy.
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In reality, she had recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a progressively degenerative disease.

Ms. Funicello was trying to hide her disease, but when the rumors became worse than the truth, she was forced to go public with her illness.

Michael J. Fox worked hard to conceal the symptoms of his gradually worsening Parkinson's Disease as well. If he had a spasm as his limousine was pulling up to a red-carpet event, he'd...

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