At ‘Race To Erase MS’ Gala, Selma Blair Opens Up about her Voice Changing

Health & FitnessMay 17, 2019

Selma Blair, the actress, has been the epitome of grace upon being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in August 2018, and is now being honored for being a voice for those also dealing with the disease. At the 26th “Race to Erase MS” gala, which is held annually, Selma was awarded a “Medal of Hope”, jointly presented to her by, Sarah Michelle Gellar, her best friend, and Good Morning America co-host, Robin Roberts.

Robin shared a video of Selma’s speech on stage during Monday’s episode of Good Morning America, which was extremely inspirational. While standing next to Sarah Michelle, Robin, and her seven-year-old son Arthur, she said that she was happy as many people were there, where she spoke on behalf of so many people without a chance to speak. Mid-speech, she blurted out if she was audible to everyone. The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter but as she spoke again, even as her voice began to crack.

Selma has dealt with vocal issues for some time now. In February, she said that she suffered from spasmodic dysphonia, common for MS patients, occurring when vocal cords go through involuntary and sudden movements, or spasms, interfering with vocal sounds, as per the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).

Mobility issues are common among people with MS, and Selma uses a cane as a means to balance herself when walking. During her speech, Blair also lifted her son up and Sarah really didn’t look too pleased with the move. But she hoisted Arthur up anyway requesting Sarah to hold her walking stick. Close to ending her speech, Blair revealed why she was rather vocal about making her MS a priority, since everything is for the future of the people who have immune diseases. Selma ended her speech on a hopeful note for her (and her son’s) future stating that her dream was to be a useful mom, as long as her kid needed her to.