Selma Blair opened up about her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in an emotional Instagram post on October 20, 2018.
The Legally Blonde actress, 46, revealed she had been diagnosed at 10:30 a.m. on August 16, 2018, and has since expressed her gratitude for the love and support given by her Cruel Intentions co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar and her husband Freddie Prinze Jr.
"I have probably had this incurable disease for 15 years at least. And I am relieved to at least know. And share," she wrote.
After fans were left heartbroken over the sad news, they were relieved to see the actress step out in style for her first public appearance since her diagnosis.
Accompanied by a cane, Blair strode out at the Vanity Fair Oscars party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills on Sunday.
She looked captivating in her a multicolored gown and matching cape.
Her custom-made cane perfectly accentuated the black highlights from her dress.
She talked about the special cane that brought her tears of joy as "gifts to get me through" on Instagram:
"This is love. @tombachik customizing my cane with my monogram and a real pink #diamond. How did I get so lucky?"
"I wanted a special cane for #vanityfair dinner. So… @lyon_hearted went out and found patent leather and @bic_owen and he stitched it on. Hours of love put in."
"And then #tombachick made it especially magical. I burst into tears. These gifts to get me through. #subtle #chic #love. I can't thank these three enough. There are angels. #oscars2019."
Not only did she dress to impress, her appearance inspired others to share how MS has affected their lives.
Blair described her neurodegenerative brain disease "a stadium of uncontrollable anxiety at times" in an Instagram post from January 14.
She added, in part:
"Going out, being sociable holds a heavy price. My brain is on fire. I am freezing. We feel alone with it even though the loving support has been a god send and appreciated. People write me asking how I do it. I do my best. But I choke with the pain of what I have lost (riding) and what I dare hope for. and how challenging it is to walk around."
"But my smiles are genuine. This is ok. Life is an adventure with many shards of awakening. I can't sleep at night but daytime I have trouble staying awake."
"But like many of us, I am praying. Soaking in love where I can. It's not easy. That's ok. I send love to you."
Critics will dismiss her bravery as something she has no choice over as she battles her deteriorating condition.
But her endurance and life-affirming transparency will always remain an inspiration to us all.
Looks like the real winner of the night was the one without an Oscar.
@LeeMerrittesq/X
@bob_moss/X
@jelanijones/Bluesky
@Aurkayne/X
@sadcommunistdog; @froglok/Bluesky