by Timaya Pulliam ‘23

Selma Blair broke barriers as Dancing With the Stars’ first contestant with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Multiple sclerosis can possibly disable and damage nerves. In Blair’s case, MS caused her to lose feeling in her left leg, have difficulty with speech, and have mood changes. Even with a debilitating disease, Blair competed on the popular television show. She pushed herself through five weeks of the grueling competition, but after receiving new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results showing intensive bone trauma, inflammation, rips, and tears, Blair and her doctors decided that she would prematurely leave the competition.

Though Blair had to leave the show early, she proved that even with MS, she is capable of doing anything that anyone else can do, even if it is done differently. It is important for more representation to be shown for those who have different abilities than others. Having a disability does not make someone less of a human being. With Blair’s entrance on the show, she demonstrated her abilities as well as brought more awareness to MS. Through her exit, she showed that no matter what, it is still important to take care of your body before anything else.