Celebrities, often painted as unreachable icons of perfection, rarely expose their frailties. Yet, when Selma Blair, the actress famed for her films “Cruel Intentions” and “Legally Blonde,” unveiled her battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), it struck a nerve—deep, raw, and resonant with millions.
Her story, though steeped in hardship, unveils an interesting twist: Blair claims that after her MS diagnosis, she found happiness. A paradox, no? How can a life-altering illness bring joy? But Blair’s journey illuminates a truth most are too afraid to admit—sometimes, the very shackles we think will imprison us, liberate us in ways unimaginable.
A Star’s Journey: The Rise and The Unknown Struggles
Born in 1972 in the quiet town of Southfield, Michigan, Selma Blair Beitner seemed destined for stardom. Her career ignited in the mid-90s, but it was her role as Cecile Caldwell in the cult classic “Cruel Intentions” (1999) that catapulted her to stardom. Who could forget her naive, doll-eyed portrayal? Or the comedic sharpness she brought as Vivian Kensington in “Legally Blonde” (2001)? From dramatic roles in the “Hellboy” series to television hits like “Anger Management” and “American Crime Story,” Blair’s career shimmered, her versatility as radiant as her smile.
Multiple Sclerosis: The Invisible Thief
Behind the lights, though, shadows loomed. Blair wrestled with mysterious symptoms—fatigue, pain, strange falls—yet, the world knew nothing of her silent battles. It wasn’t until 2018 that the veil was lifted. The diagnosis? Multiple Sclerosis or MS. A debilitating disease that causes the immune system to wage war on the central nervous system, leading to unpredictable and often agonizing symptoms. MS, a disease where the body’s own immune system turns against it, eating away at the protective covering of nerves. The result? A terrifying range of symptoms—fatigue, numbness, vision problems, cognitive lapses, and more. Each person’s battle with MS is unique; for some, it comes in waves, relapsing and remitting RRMS, while for others, it’s a slow, relentless progression. August 2018, when she finally got the devastating diagnosis MS
The Public Reveal and the Cane that Stole the Spotlight
October 2018. Blair takes to Instagram. The world watches as she reveals her diagnosis. In a poignant post, she thanks her Netflix costume designer for her patience as Blair, unbeknownst to the public, struggled with mobility. And then came that moment—the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Draped in elegance, Blair walked the red carpet, cane in hand. But it wasn’t just any cane—it was a symbol of resilience, power, and acceptance. The world saw Blair not as a victim but as a warrior.
Career, Family, and the New Normal
MS didn’t just alter Blair’s body; it reshaped her world. Professionally, roles became more challenging. Memorizing lines? A Herculean task. Maintaining balance during long shoots? An even greater struggle. And yet, Blair adapted. She found new ways to navigate her career, proving that resilience isn’t about avoiding obstacles but learning to dance with them—sometimes quite literally, as she referred to her cane as her “dance partner.” Personally, Blair’s life took on new dimensions. Parenting her young son, Arthur, while managing MS became a delicate balancing act. Daily tasks—once mindless—now required intention, adaptation, and patience.
HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation) – Treatments, Transplants, and Transformation
2019 marked a major turning point. Blair opted for an aggressive treatment: hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This high-stakes procedure, involving chemotherapy and stem cell harvesting, was her Hail Mary—a last-ditch effort to reboot her immune system. The risks were immense, but so too were the potential rewards.
Beyond medical treatments, Blair leaned on physical therapy, adaptive yoga, and meditation. Diet became crucial, as she experimented with different approaches to manage her symptoms. Her openness about using mobility aids, particularly her beloved cane, helped dismantle the stigma associated with such tools. Blair wasn’t just surviving; she was thriving.
Happiness in the Face of MS: “I Actually Became Much Happier”
Here’s where Blair’s story diverges from the expected narrative. In a world where chronic illness is often equated with suffering, Blair asserts that her MS diagnosis made her happier. How? In facing her disease, Blair stopped fighting herself. allowed her to let go of self-doubt, and embrace her reality. She found beauty in vulnerability, purpose in advocacy, and joy in the simple moments—like holding her son or simply being present. Through social media, interviews, and public appearances, Blair has become a powerful advocate for disability rights and MS awareness.
Selma Blair’s journey isn’t just about battling MS—it’s about redefining what it means to live fully, authentically, and joyously in the face of adversity. Her story is a reminder that the human spirit, when tested, can find strength in the unlikeliest of places—even in illness.
Blair has become more than a celebrity; she is a beacon of hope. And in sharing her story, she teaches us all: sometimes, our greatest trials lead us to our most profound joys.
How HSCT works for Multiple Sclerosis MS ?
This treatment is a multi-step procedure that is typically performed only once.
Patients with MS are treated with medications that will help release stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream.
The stem cells are then collected and frozen until the patient is ready to be infused.
While the stem cells are in waiting, the patient must undergo medication treatments such as chemotherapy or immunosuppressants in an attempt to suppress the body’s immune system.
Once the patient’s immune system has been primed, the stem cells can be introduced back into the body through an intravenous infusion.
The individual is then monitored very closely as they recover.
HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation) is indeed a very promising treatment for Multiple Sclerosis.
HSCT attempts to “reboot” the faulty immune system, which is responsible for damaging the brain and spinal cord in MS. At present the total cost of HSCT at major centres like Mexico and Russia cost more than 100,000 US Dollars including travel and stay. At world class HSCT Hospital India HSCT costs about 30,000 US Dollars all inclusive. Please click this link to know more about world’s most affordable HSCT treatment
Why you should choose HSCT Hospital India for HSCT ?
HSCT Hospital India is one of the finest private hospitals in India and Accredited by JCIUSA. Most Affordable, 30,000 US $ HSCT package includes complete treatment cost for 30 days inhospital stay in a deluxe private room, Doctors Fee, Tests and Consultations, Medicines, Consumables, Neuro-Physiotherapy and also Food and Laundry for both the patient and the attendant, Airport Transfers etc. Large number of MS patients from Europe, America and Australia already treated successfully. Click here to know more
Complete 30 day HSCT done in hospital. Private deluxe rooms are very well served for patient and attendant’s comfort and equipped with HEPA Filter with Triple Level Air Filtration. No outside hospital stay avoids risk of infection, 24 x 7 nursing care and best medical attention. Advanced HSCT for MS protocol used does not require any further chemo/ treatment after leaving the hospital. Click here to get complete details
International and Globally Renowned Accreditations – HSCT Hospital India is accredited by the Joint Commission International, USA, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), and National Accreditation Board for Laboratories (NABL) for processes and high-quality patient care.
New Swedish study finds HSCT can slow progression of multiple sclerosis
More than 70% of participants in the study had no new progression after five years of treatment
A new Swedish study has found that haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) treatment could slow the progression of symptoms in people with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).
Results showed that nearly three-quarters of patients in the study with relapsing or remitting MS had no new progression after five years of HSCT.
Researchers followed up with 174 study participants to see if their MS disability worsened, stabilised or improved.
After five years, they discovered that 73% of participants had no relapses, increases in their expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score and no new or active lesions appearing on their MRI scans.
Additionally, 12 of the 19 participants who were followed up after ten years of having HSCT did not have any new MS activity.
Autologous HSCT (AHSCT) works by taking stem cells from the body and reintroducing them following chemotherapy. The body recognises the cells as familiar, making it less likely for the body to have a negative reaction.
The results support previous findings from the MIST trial, which showed that patients being treated with HCST had no new MS activity after four to five years.
Despite this, the new study did not compare HCST with any other treatments and further investigation is required to determine whether the MS treatment works better than others.
However, HCST proved to be safe as there were no treatment-related deaths and researchers have suggested that it could be implemented within routine healthcare.
Dr Sarah Rawlings, executive director, research and external affairs at MS Society, said: “We know HSCT doesn’t work for everyone with MS, but it has been an important development in MS treatment and some people see life-changing results.
“These new results are encouraging but only observe how disability progresses after HSCT and so reinforce the need for randomised controlled trials comparing HSCT with the most highly effective disease-modifying therapies.”
Launched in 2022, the StarMS trial is currently comparing AHSCT with four highly effective treatments for relapsing remitting MS, alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab and cladribine, in hospitals across the UK.
Why you should choose HSCT Hospital India for HSCT ?
HSCT Hospital India is one of the finest private hospitals in India and Accredited by JCIUSA. Most Affordable, 30,000 US $ HSCT package includes complete treatment cost for 30 days inhospital stay in a deluxe private room, Doctors Fee, Tests and Consultations, Medicines, Consumables, Neuro-Physiotherapy and also Food and Laundry for both the patient and the attendant, Airport Transfers etc. Large number of MS patients from Europe, America and Australia already treated successfully. Click here to know more
Complete 30 day HSCT done in hospital. Private deluxe rooms are very well served for patient and attendant’s comfort and equipped with HEPA Filter with Triple Level Air Filtration. No outside hospital stay avoids risk of infection, 24 x 7 nursing care and best medical attention. Advanced HSCT for MS protocol used does not require any further chemo/ treatment after leaving the hospital. Click here to get complete details
International and Globally Renowned Accreditations – HSCT Hospital India is accredited by the Joint Commission International, USA, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), and National Accreditation Board for Laboratories (NABL) for processes and high-quality patient care.
I was diagnosed with SPMS and have been confined to a wheelchair for five years and my MS rapidly progressed over the last two year. I researched HSCT treatments available worldwide and was accepted by HSCT Hospital India to be taken up for HSCT after rigorous tests to ascertain my strength and suitability for the treatment.
This was very reassuring for me and proved to me that HSCT Hospital India were not just after money.As you can imagine with MS and visited quite a few hospitals in my time.
I can confidently say I have never encountered such Empathy, Understanding and Professionalism anywhere as much as I did at HSCT Hospital in India.
The hygiene and cleanliness is excellent and I noticed the cleaning regime was regular and intensive.
I have been home in Ireland for nine months now and recently visited my neurologist to receive the results of my before and after MRI scans.
My neurologist confirmed I have no active lesions on my brain or Spinal column. My MS has essentially stopped at present however I will have annual MRI scans to chart any differences in my scans.
It is important to realise that HSCT Hospital India as good as they are can only take us so far, we as MS sufferers need an intensive regime of physiotherapy and a really positive outlook as the recovery period can be A bit of a rollercoaster.
The question is really quite simple, would I do it if at all again at HSCT Hospital India considering the benefits and my overall experience. My answer simply is, “yes,without a doubt.”I highly recommend HSCT Hospital India and its staff to anyone who it’s considering HSCT. The follow-up care from HSCT specialist and his staff is reassuring and comforting when you return home from India.
This is an aspect of their care model I am highly impressed with. Kindest regards to all in the BMT ward from Ireland.
MS-patiënte Linda Liebregt (36) is een week terug uit India. Daar onderging ze een risicovolle stamceltherapie in de hoop de verwoestende ziekte stop te zetten.
“Mijn woonkamer is mijn leefruimte, daar zit ik in quarantaine. Maar dat is niet erg, ik voel me zo ontzettend goed”, vertelt Linda. Op 2 april kreeg ze haar stamcellen terug. “Dat zie ik als mijn verjaardag. De artsen in India vertelden dat ik nu het lichaam van een baby heb. Ik moet weer helemaal vanaf nul beginnen.”
De behandeling is heftig geweest, vooral de chemotherapie. “Gelukkig was mijn beste vriendin Leoni erbij. Zij was mijn steun en toeverlaat en kon goed aanvoelen wat ik nodig had. Het was een veilig gevoel dat zij erbij was.”
Stamceltherapie in India is Linda’s Linda’s laatste hoop om MS te stoppen: ‘De kans bestaate dat ik dat niet overleef’
Verlammingsverschijnselen
Bij MS, multiple sclerose, worden signalen tussen de hersenen en de spieren niet goed doorgegeven via de zenuwen, waardoor verlammings- en uitvalsverschijnselen optreden.
Linda ontdekte in 2007 dat ze de ziekte had, ze was toen 24. Ze ging naar de huisarts omdat ze weleens dubbel zag.
Twee jaar geleden ging haar gezondheid hard achteruit. De supermarkt 100 meter verderop was al te ver om te lopen.
‘Ik moet opnieuw leren lopen’
Of de behandeling is aangeslagen, weet ze nog niet. “Ik moet nu trainen met hulp van een fysiotherapeut. Zo krijg ik mijn spierkracht terug. De afgelopen jaren liep ik door de MS slecht.”
Nu kan haar linkerbeen weer recht vooruit. “Geen zwaai of andere trucjes om hem naar voren te krijgen. Dit is voor mij een hele mooie basis om weer echt normale stappen te kunnen zetten.”
Goede hoop
Artsen gebruiken een EDSS-score van 1 tot en met 10 om de zwaarte van de MS te meten. Voor de behandeling zat Linda op een 5,5/6. “Als ik functies terugkrijg, gaat mijn score naar beneden. Dit meet je door te kijken wat ik voorheen niet kon en nu wel. Naar de supermarkt lopen bijvoorbeeld.”
Ook krijgt Linda MRI’s om te zien of activiteit van MS uitblijft. “Of er nog meer verbetering gaat komen, moet ik in het dagelijks leven gaan ervaren. Dat kan tot nog twee jaar na de behandeling gebeuren. Maar ik voel me zo goed, ik heb goede hoop.”
The Promising Potential of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)
While In the past 20 years, the transplantation of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCT) has been utilized as a therapeutic option for patients who have experienced limited success with conventional treatments for severe autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Autologous HSCT is the most commonly used technique, and an expanding body of evidence supports its utility in treating a broad range of autoimmune conditions, such as relapsing remitting MS, systemic sclerosis, CIDP, Stiff Person Syndrome, Systemic Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, and Crohn’s disease.
HSCT is a medical procedure that entails the removal of stem cells from a patient’s bone marrow. Following the extraction, the immune system is destroyed by administering high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The extracted stem cells are then reintroduced into the patient’s bloodstream, where they travel to the bone marrow and begin to generate new, healthy blood cells.
While HSCT has long been employed to treat specific cancers, such as leukaemia and lymphoma, recent studies have explored its effectiveness in treating autoimmune diseases, including MS. In fact, MS has been shown to respond extremely well to HSCT, with patients experiencing substantial symptom improvement and long-term remission.
Can HSCT help to treat other autoimmune conditions besides MS?
Is HSCT also effective in treating other autoimmune disorders aside from MS? The answer is yes. Over 80 autoimmune conditions exist, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and type 1 diabetes. Although each disorder differs in terms of its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, they share a common feature: an overactive immune system that attacks the body’s own tissues.
HSCT has also demonstrated promise in treating autoimmune disorders that affect the central nervous system, such as neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Patients with NMO who underwent HSCT experienced a 77% reduction in relapse rates and a 90% reduction in disability scores in a single study, with no significant negative effects.
At our world class HSCT hospital in India so far following Auto immune conditions have been treated success fully and continued research and innovation is underway which has benefited hundreds of international patients who came to HSCT Hospital India for HSCT therapy.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – All forms (RR, SP, PP, PR)
Scleroderma (all forms including systemic sclerosis)
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Considering that there are millions of patients worldwide who suffer from autoimmune diseases, HSCT treatment must become more accessible. Currently, the total cost of HSCT at major centres such as Mexico andRussia is over 100,000 US Dollars, including travel and accommodation. At the world-class HSCT Hospital India, it costs about 30,000 US Dollars, which includes total cost of treatment, stay, medicines and nursing, clinical costs during 30 days stay at a premium private room at the hospital.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Options in India?
There are any different treatment options available for multiple sclerosis in India, including disease-modifying therapies, corticosteroids, plasma exchange, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. The treatment of MS in India typically involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes a neurologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and social worker. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, prevent relapses, and manage symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, and mobility issues.
One of the most commonly used medications for MS in India is interferon beta-1a, which is administered through injections. This medication has been shown to reduce the frequency of relapses and slow the progression of disability in people with MS Targeting inflammation with interferon-β, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, fingolimod, and other immune-modulating agents reduces the frequency of relapses, but the impact on delaying the onset, preventing or slowing the tempo of SP-MS remains uncertain.
HSCT Stops MS – Autologous HSCT a ray of hope for MS Patients.
Autologous HSCT (aHSCT) refers to stem cells that are derived from a person’s own body, as opposed to allogeneic HSCT, in which the stem cells come from another individual.
By essentially wiping out the body’s immune system and reintroducing stem cells, HSCT aims to significantly decrease or completely stop the demyelination process associated with MS. This can halt disease progression, but also improve sometimes debilitating neurological symptoms.
How HSCT works for halting MS disease progression ?
This treatment is a multi-step procedure that is typically performed only once.
Patients with MS are treated with medications that will help release stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream.
The stem cells are then collected and frozen until the patient is ready to be infused.
While the stem cells are in waiting, the patient must undergo medication treatments such as chemotherapy or immunosuppressants in an attempt to suppress the body’s immune system.
Once the patient’s immune system has been primed, the stem cells can be introduced back into the body through an intravenous infusion.
The individual is then monitored very closely as they recover.
HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation) is indeed a very promising treatment for Multiple Sclerosis.
HSCT attempts to “reboot” the faulty immune system, which is responsible for damaging the brain and spinal cord in MS. At present the total cost of HSCT at major centres like Mexico and Russia cost more than 100,000 US Dollars including travel and stay. At world class HSCT Hospital India HSCT costs about 30,000 US Dollars all inclusive. Please click this link to know more about world’s most affordable HSCT treatment https://hsctindia.com/hsct-treatment-package/
Why you should choose HSCT Hospital India for HSCT ?
HSCT Hospital India is one of the finest private hospitals in India and Accredited by JCIUSA. Most Affordable, 30,000 US $ HSCT package includes complete treatment cost for 30 days inhospital stay in a deluxe private room, Doctors Fee, Tests and Consultations, Medicines, Consumables, Neuro-Physiotherapy and also Food and Laundry for both the patient and the attendant, Airport Transfers etc. Large number of MS patients from Europe, America and Australia already treated successfully. Click here to know more
Complete 30 day HSCT done in hospital. Private deluxe rooms are very well served for patient and attendant’s comfort and equipped with HEPA Filter with Triple Level Air Filtration. No outside hospital stay avoids risk of infection, 24 x 7 nursing care and best medical attention. Advanced HSCT for MS protocol used does not require any further chemo/ treatment after leaving the hospital. Click here to get complete details
International and Globally Renowned Accreditations – HSCT Hospital India is accredited by the Joint Commission International, USA, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), and National Accreditation Board for Laboratories (NABL) for processes and high-quality patient care.
Large number of MS patients from Europe, America and Australia have already been treated successfully at HSCT Hospital India. Click here to watch patient testimonial videos
Stamceltherapie in India is Linda’s Linda’s laatste hoop om MS te stoppen: ‘De kans bestaate dat ik dat niet overleef’
