Lisa Ray starred in the 2005 film Water. She also appeared in TV shows such as Endgame, Psych, and Top Chef Canada. Now, as an advocate for people with multiple myeloma, having survived cancer herself, Lisa Ray consider herself a cancer “graduate.” Keep reading to learn more about her story, and find out what this means to her. Follow the original source here for additional details.
Ray received her diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2009. Though she is now cancer-free, thanks to chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, unless a new cure is developed, she will never be cured of multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer developing in the white blood cells which are known as plasma cells.
In their normal function, plasma cells serve as part of the immune system. They are responsible for the creation of antibodies which help to battle infections. As multiple myeloma cells develop in the bone marrow, they push out healthy blood cells. This result sin the production of abnormal antibodies. Symptoms may include bone pain, nausea, and frequent infections.
Click here to learn more about multiple myeloma.
In regards to her treatment, Ray says that appearances never bothered her. Going through chemotherapy, though physically difficult, is often also emotionally difficult for patients as it takes a toll on their energy and how they are perceived. The lack of hair, however, did not bother Ray. She said that her experiences shaving her head for Water and appearing bald on magazine covers taught her not to be insecure about it.
Ray further explained that “when you are fighting for your life, everything comes second.” Upon getting better, there’s a realization that most of a person’s time and energy are spent thinking about what she describes as “insignificant things.”
The actress also continues to inspire young people. She fights for the rights of girl children worldwide and advocates for women cancer patients. Asked about her role towards children, Ray said that she desires to pay back the kindness so many people showed to her during her cancer diagnosis and treatment. She believes it is important for people to speak openly and honestly about cancer. It helps to reduce the fearful understanding so many people have about the disease.
Ray says she is humbled to have this kind of influence, and hopes she can continue to make a difference however small it may be.
