22q11 DiGeorge Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a deletion of a small segment of chromosome 22. It affects many parts of the body and can cause various symptoms, such as heart defects, cleft palate, immune system problems, learning difficulties and facial features. The syndrome is also known by other names, such as velocardiofacial syndrome, Shprintzen syndrome and CATCH22.
Although the syndrome is relatively common, affecting about 1 in 4,000 people, it is not widely recognized by the public. However, there are some celebrities who have been diagnosed with or are suspected to have 22q11 DiGeorge Syndrome. Here are some of them:
- Ethan Hawke. The actor, writer and director is best known for his roles in movies such as Dead Poets Society, Before Sunrise, Training Day and Boyhood. He has also been nominated for four Academy Awards and a Tony Award. Hawke revealed in an interview that he has 22q11 DiGeorge Syndrome and that he had heart surgery as a child to correct a defect. He also said that he has struggled with anxiety and depression throughout his life.
- Teddy Geiger. The singer-songwriter and music producer rose to fame in 2006 with his debut album Underage Thinking, which included the hit single For You I Will (Confidence). He has also written and produced songs for artists such as Shawn Mendes, One Direction, Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera. Geiger came out as transgender in 2017 and changed his name to Teddy3. He has confirmed that he has 22q11 DiGeorge Syndrome and that he had open-heart surgery at age 13.
- Jesse McCartney. The singer, songwriter and actor started his career as a child star in the late 1990s, appearing in shows such as All My Children and Summerland. He also became a member of the boy band Dream Street. He later pursued a solo music career, releasing albums such as Beautiful Soul, Right Where You Want Me and Departure. He has also voiced characters in animated films such as Alvin and the Chipmunks and Tinker Bell. McCartney has not officially confirmed that he has 22q11 DiGeorge Syndrome, but he has shown some signs of the condition, such as a heart murmur, a cleft palate and facial features.
- Katie Price. The media personality, model and businesswoman is also known by her former stage name Jordan. She rose to fame as a glamour model in the UK and later appeared in reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrity Big Brother and My Crazy Life. She has also written several books, launched her own products and campaigned for various causes. Price has five children, one of whom, Harvey, has 22q11 DiGeorge Syndrome. Harvey was born with multiple disabilities, including blindness, autism, Prader-Willi syndrome and a heart condition.
- R.J. Palacio. The author is best known for writing the bestselling novel Wonder, which tells the story of a boy with a facial deformity who attends school for the first time. The book was inspired by Palacio’s own encounter with a child who had Treacher Collins syndrome, a condition that affects the development of the face. Palacio has said that she also researched other craniofacial disorders, including 22q11 DiGeorge Syndrome, while writing the book. She has also written several spin-off books based on Wonder, such as Auggie & Me, We’re All Wonders and White Bird.
These are just some of the celebrities who have 22q11 DiGeorge Syndrome or are related to someone who has it. They show that despite the challenges and difficulties that the syndrome can bring, it is possible to achieve success and happiness in life.
by Diseasemaps