Clay Walker's new album
Clay Walker is a country singer who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis 10 years ago. Having gone to high school and college in Texas, I knew country music and was a fan of his. When he announced he had the disease, I knew nothing about it but I figured it was essentially a death sentence.
Now, 10 years later, Clay Walker is still performing and has done very well with Copaxone, one of the "ABCR" drugs for multiple sclerosis. These drugs are disease-modifying; that is, rather than treating only symptoms, they have an effect on the disease itself. And, as it turns out, I know a little more about MS now than I did 10 years ago, so I know it's not a death sentence and that many live normal lives with this chronic illness. I still enjoy reading articles about Clay Walker because he is a great example of someone who has done well with MS.
I saw an article recently announcing he'll be releasing a new album later this year. The reason I mention it is because this kind of publicity increases articles about him (and therefore MS), and thus raises awareness about the disease.
Walker also has set up the BandAgainstMS foundation to raise money for multiple sclerosis. He is a great example of a celebrity who is making a difference.