Famous People with Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that can lead to a multi-system failure of the body. Here is a look at some of the famous people who suffered from this disease. Read on...
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the functioning of the digestive system, lungs and sweat glands. It also affects the exocrine glands of the liver, pancreas and the intestines. It is characterized by frequent lung infections, poor growth and deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins. In males, it may lead to infertility. Cystic fibrosis causes the development of fibrous scar tissues in the pancreas and other organs of the body and weakens the ability of the body to exchange salts and water between cells. Statistics show that more than 30,000 people in the United States suffer from cystic fibrosis. The average life expectancy of a person suffering from cystic fibrosis is forty years.

Here is a list of some of the famous people who suffered from cystic fibrosis. They fought back bravely against their suffering and proved to be a source of inspiration to many.

Bill Williams: Born in 1960, Bill Williams grew up to become a programmer and game designer. He is credited with the design and development of the well-known Atari games like Alley Cat and Salmon Run, Amiga games like Sinbad and the Throne of the Falcon as also Nintendo Entertainment System's Monopoly. He suffered from cystic fibrosis, which he described as a demon that punished him mercilessly. In 1998, this disease claimed his life.

Lisa Bentley: She is a Canadian athlete born on November 28, 1968. Since the 1990s, she has been participating in the Ironman race series, a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation. She is regarded as one of the most successful triathletes of all times and an exceptionally talented runner. She was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at a young age of 20.

Bon Flanagan: Born on December 27, 1952, Bob Flanagan rose to become a notable figure in the fields of American poetry, music and performing arts. He was born in the New York City and raised in California. He became controversial after he featured in a song called 'Happiness in Slavery', which was largely banned for his undressing and molesting sequences. He is well-known for his clever and humorous songs. He had cystic fibrosis since a very young age which later caused his death at the age of 43.

Alice Martineau: She was an English pop singer and songwriter born on June 8, 1972 in London. She earned an honors degree in English from King's College in London. Alice was born with cystic fibrosis. She never let her illness eclipse her ambitions. She courageously pursued her career in music, playing live gigs till 2001. She lost her life on March 6, 2003.

Gregory Jean-Paul Lemarchal: Born on May 13, 1983, Gregory Lemarchal went on to become one of the very famous French singers. He was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was only 20 months old. Battling his illness with great courage, he achieved success as a singer. He was declared winner of the famous TV-show, Star Academy. He died of complications resulting from cystic fibrosis, on April 30, 2007.

This was an account of some of the famous people who suffered from the fatal disease, cystic fibrosis. They could not live long to enjoy the stardom. But they managed to make a mark in their fields and find a place in the hearts of their admirers.
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