Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis can at times feel lonely, and patients may feel as though no one understands what they are going through. Well, Chronic Kidney Disease is an insidious (proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects) disorder that impacts people of all walks of life regardless of race, class, gender, and economic status. There is an entire Chronic Kidney Disease Community that wants to see you and other patients be successful. The following are names of celebrities (the rich and famous) who also have suffered from Chronic Kidney Disease and/or Dialysis. Some have passed while others - like you - continue their battle for survival. Perhaps in recognizing these well-known names you will feel further connected to the Chronic Kidney Disease Community and realize that you are not alone which may help to reduce depression, demoralization, and improve your hope for the future:
Steven Spielberg: The Oscar-winning Hollywood Film Director has Chronic Kidney Disease and in fact had a kidney removed during surgery in February 2000 when doctors found an “irregularity” during a routine exam.
Howard Hughes: While most know Hughes as a businessman, inventor, as well as film producer and director, many do not know that the tycoon (during his lifetime, he was one of the wealthiest people in the world) suffered a long battle with Chronic Kidney Disease which he lost in 1976 after his sudden death.
Sandra Dee: One of the most recognizable film stars in the 1950s and 1960s, the actress died in 2005 of Kidney Failure and complications of Chronic Kidney Disease. Her performances in Imitation of Life and Gidget (both 1959) made her a household name. After a relatively short marriage to Bobby Darin (m. 1960–1967) her career started to fade and she passed in Thousand Oakes, California at the age of 62.
Emily Dickinson: Emily Elizabeth Dickinson was an American poet. Born in Amherst, Massachusetts, to a successful family with strong community ties, she lived a mostly introverted and reclusive life. Whilst Dickinson was a prolific private poet, fewer than a dozen of her nearly 1,800 poems were published during her lifetime. Sadly, somber subjects of death occur throughout Emily Dickinson’s poems and letters. The poet’s death in May 1886 came after two and a half years of ill health due to “Bright’s Disease,” at the time a general diagnosis that included hypertensive symptoms, as well as symptoms for nephritis, a Chronic Kidney Disease.
Gary Coleman: Best known for his role as Arnold Jackson in Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986), Mr. Coleman suffered from Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), an autoimmune Chronic Kidney Disease. He underwent at least two Kidney Transplants early in his life and required frequent Dialysis which he preferred not to discuss. He passed away in 2010 at only 42 years old as a result of complications associated with Dialysis.
Alfred Hitchcock: Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock is best known as an English film director and producer. Often nicknamed “The Master of Suspense”, he pioneered many techniques in the suspense and psychological thriller genres. He directed 66 movies and passed in 1980 after his battle with Chronic Kidney Disease.
Recommended Reading: 8 Celebrities You Probably Did Not Know Received Kidney Transplants Which Are Still Functioning
All Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients should be reassured that treatments for Chronic Kidney Disease have improved and continue to improve. The life expectancy for patients is also increasing. Remain engaged with KidneyBuzz.com and our active members within the Chronic Kidney Disease Community. We are here for you!
Recommended Reading: Busting Stereotypical Myths Which CKD Patients And Donors Hold That Prevent Kidney Transplantations
If you are awaiting a Kidney Transplant, sign up for the KidneyBuzz.com Social Media program so that our team can help (click here). Also, if you are conducting Hemodialysis then order your year supply of Fistula Protector Wristbands (click here) to preserve your AV Fistula.
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