People With MS Praise Selma Blair For First Red Carpet Appearance Since Diagnosis

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People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have thanked Selma Blair for proudly using a cane at the Vanity Fair Oscar party in her first red carpet appearance since her diagnosis.

The star, who was diagnosed with MS in October, was greeted by cheers from the crowd, at one point telling onlookers: “It took so much to come out here.”

On Twitter, people who’ve been diagnosed with MS – which can cause fatigue, mobility problems and muscle spasms – praised Blair for showing she is not defined by the illness.

[Read More: What Is Multiple Sclerosis?]

You looked beautiful. As a fellow woman and mother with MS I know this disease is not easy. You keep being you and showing the world we are not our disease. #CureMS
— Alli E (@alli_ekstrom) February 25, 2019

I was diagnosed with MS last year and cannot tell you how much I needed this 💜 Thank you for being so brave and for living so boldly! I am so inspired by you.
— Bianca Doria (@biancadoe) February 25, 2019

MS isn’t a death sentence. MS doesn’t mean hiding away in silence. Thank you, Selma Blair. pic.twitter.com/D5yweva3e0
— Becca Stokes (@beccastokes) February 25, 2019

Others who have loved ones with MS thanked Blair for raising awareness of the illness.

Thank you for bringing awareness and showing your true self to us tonight. My daughter has MS. I was happy to see your beautiful face and just how strong you are. You have MS, it doesn’t have you.
— connieA5857 (@dispatcherA5857) February 25, 2019

@SelmaBlair I’m in tears. My husband was diagnosed with PPMS last year. Thank you so much for bringing awareness to our darkened part of our lives. This disease won’t define us, and let’s work and pray toward a cure! You rocked that cane, girl! 👏🏻♥️ #KickMSButt
— Becca McKinney (@beccamckin_2006) February 25, 2019

Selma Blair has my heart! Actually wanted to cry with her. My grandad had MS and was confined to a wheelchair, hunched over, barely able to lift his head the whole time I knew him. So I know how much strength, courage and determination this must have taken ❤️ https://t.co/rwrwZmsD0H
— Christina Boyd (@biteme28) February 25, 2019

But some did highlight that while the praise directed at Blair is a positive step, there is still a lot of stigma facing regular people with multiple sclerosis.

I have MS and I don’t get cheers. I get people looking at me like I’m drunk. 😢
— Beckie Dunn (@MrsGobbyShite) February 25, 2019

I know it was brave, and I applaud you for that, but why should it have to be? Is it because of the stigma we, as disabled people face, especially when we use mobility aids in public? I picked a gorgeous cane for my wedding. No shame. pic.twitter.com/yWxtBsypxR
— Charlotte Issyvoo (@CIssyvoo) February 25, 2019

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