Selma Blair Cried & Prayed before Transplant to Address Illness That Went Undiagnosed for 40 Years

• In a world filled with unexpected twists, actress Selma Blair's life took a profound turn with the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
• The documentary film "Introducing Selma Blair" unveils her remarkable journey, portraying her resilience, vulnerability, and strength in facing life's challenges head-on.
• From her childhood battles with a hidden disability to her candid advocacy for inclusivity, Selma's story is a testament to the power of authenticity and the unwavering spirit that can emerge even in the darkest of times.

If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that life can throw some unexpected curveballs. For actress Selma Blair, one such curveball came in the form of a life-altering diagnosis—Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Her journey, documented in the film "Introducing Selma Blair," offers a powerful glimpse into her capacity to embrace life's challenges head-on.

Blair, the celebrated actress known for her roles in iconic films like "Cruel Intentions," "Legally Blonde," and "Hellboy," is a woman of remarkable and unwavering spirit. Her story is one that spans four decades of silent pain, a harrowing battle with an undiagnosed illness, and a triumphant journey toward health and self-acceptance.

A Life's Secret Unveiled

It was in 2018 that Blair bravely unveiled her life's secret to the world. In an Instagram post that resonated with her 3.1 million followers, she disclosed her Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. However, this revelation was just the tip of the iceberg. Blair's journey began long before, shrouded in years of silent suffering.

Born into an upper-middle-class family in Michigan, Blair's childhood was marred by a mysterious ailment. At the tender age of seven, she had already lost the use of her right eye, left leg, and bladder. Her mother, a judge, worried about cancer, but the true culprit was juvenile MS, an insidious condition that often goes undetected in young girls.

The medical establishment, at the time, dismissed her struggles, attributing them to mere attention-seeking. The gender bias was undeniable; a boy with similar symptoms would have received a different, more attentive approach.

As a child, Blair's nights were punctuated by uncontrollable bouts of laughter. But as she grew into adulthood, these episodes would give way to uncontrollable crying spells, triggered seemingly out of nowhere. It was only much later, after 40 long years, that she would receive her MS diagnosis, revealing that she had been living with a hidden disability all along.

The Struggles Persist

Speaking to Blair, one is struck by her candidness and humor in the face of adversity. She describes her daily life as a balancing act between good days and bad, where her MS symptoms fluctuate wildly. On a good day, she's out with friends, laughing, and savoring life. On a bad day, she can be found vomiting and confined to her bed, unable to eat for days.

Sleep becomes a cherished sanctuary, and she jests that she requires more rest than a hibernating bear. Despite the challenges, Blair refuses to let the condition define her. Her candid approach to her condition has brought her to the forefront of disability advocacy.

Her first public appearance after revealing her diagnosis, at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, saw her proudly using a cane alongside her elegant gown, defying societal norms and expectations.

In a Vogue photoshoot, she had no problem being photographed with her trusty cane, recognizing it as an extension of herself and a tool for visibility in a world that often overlooks the experiences of those with disabilities. Blair has also openly acknowledged her struggles with alcoholism and the lengths she went to in order to hide her symptoms.

As her acting career soared, she masked her pain on-screen and turned to self-medication. Sets became excruciating battlegrounds, and she relied on medications like Klonopin to cope. The outside world saw a successful actress, but behind the scenes, she battled exhaustion, tics, and the constant fear of being discovered as different.

After filming the US television remake of "Kath & Kim" in 2009, Blair stepped away from the industry. Her health deteriorated, her autoimmune system misfired, and her hair began to fall out. She withdrew from the public eye and descended into a world of despair, marked by crying fits, binge drinking, and a deep sense of self-loathing. She lived her life in fear.

A New Beginning and The Spark for a Film

Yet, out of the darkness emerged a new Blair. Her candidness about her MS, her best-selling memoir "Mean Baby," and her film "Introducing Selma Blair" all served to raise awareness about MS and the challenges faced by those with disabilities. In 2022, she partnered with Guide Beauty to launch her own range of adaptive beauty products, breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity.

Blair's advocacy isn't just about raising awareness; it's about instigating real change. She recognizes that her unique perspective, straddling the worlds of the non-disabled and disabled, allows her to bridge gaps and advocate effectively. Her dedication to breaking down societal barriers and fostering inclusivity is nothing short of inspirational.

The idea for the film was sparked when Blair shared her diagnosis with the world. It was a moment of realization that her story could be a source of inspiration and service to others. Discussions about turning her journey into a film began, eventually leading to the collaboration with director Fleet.

Fleet, the director of "Introducing Selma Blair," was introduced to Blair and producer Troy Nankin through serendipity. She watched Blair's video diaries and knew there was a compelling story waiting to be told. What's remarkable is that Fleet went into this project with curiosity, not knowing Blair personally.

Their initial meetings took place over Facetime, and the first in-person meeting occurred just two days before filming began, bringing a unique immediacy to their collaboration.

Fleet's own experience with autoimmune conditions made her empathetic to Blair's journey. MS, an autoimmune condition, can be unpredictable, and understanding the mystery and uncertainty surrounding it was crucial in shaping the approach for the documentary.

One of the standout qualities of Blair's journey is her unwavering spirit. Despite the intense challenges she faced due to MS, Blair approached the documentary as a professional actress with decades of experience. Her ability to maintain her sense of humor and entertain even during challenging moments added a unique and heartwarming dimension to the film.

Blair's sense of humor played a pivotal role in creating moments of levity within the documentary's intense scenes. In the midst of a global pandemic, the filmmakers aimed not only to educate and inspire but also to make viewers laugh.

Embracing the Beauty Myth and Challenging Disability Stigma

"Introducing Selma Blair" delves into complex issues, including the beauty myth and the collective fear surrounding disability and mortality. Blair, who has her own unique perspective on beauty due to her own experiences, sheds light on the societal pressures placed on women's appearance.

The documentary also addresses how people often shy away from discussing disabilities. Blair's goal is not to conform to societal expectations but to represent people with illnesses, speech problems, or movement disorders authentically. She encourages embracing one's uniqueness and challenges stereotypes.

The Decision for a Stem Cell Transplant

A pivotal moment in the documentary is Blair's decision to undergo a stem cell transplant, an experimental treatment for MS. This decision was made at a critical point in her journey when her symptoms became increasingly severe. The transplant involved intensive rounds of chemotherapy to reset her immune system.

Blair's bravery in opting for this treatment, despite its experimental nature, showcases her determination to regain control over her life and health. The documentary captures the emotional weight of this decision and its impact on Blair's life.

"Introducing Selma Blair" offers an unfiltered glimpse into Blair's life during her battle with MS. It showcases her vulnerability as she cries and prays before the transplant. It also captures her close relationship with her son Arthur and the unwavering support of her loved ones.

As Blair looks to the future, she envisions a world where disability is not an impediment but an aspect of diversity. She acknowledges that the entertainment industry has a long way to go in terms of inclusion, but she remains optimistic. With her determination and commitment to advocating for change, she is a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges.

She has transformed her personal journey into a powerful force for change, proving that even in the face of adversity, one can emerge stronger, more empowered, and ready to make a difference.

Her life's journey reminds us all that disability should not be a barrier to success and that true empowerment lies in embracing one's authentic self, flaws and all. Blair's story is a testament to the power of vulnerability, the importance of visibility, and the endless possibilities that await when we dare to be ourselves unapologetically.