Fighting in memory of his sister! Know about Bob Saget’s association with the Scleroderma Research Foundation and his sister Gay’s battle with the disease!

Updated On March 18, 2024 | Published By: shahid | In Career , Health

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The star!

Bob Saget is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and TV personality whose ambition was to become a doctor.

He was dissuaded from taking a medical career by his English teacher, Elaine Zimmerman who recognized his creative talent in him urged him to pursue a career in films instead.

He completed with merit the course at Temple University’s film school. After being on CBS’ Morning show for some time in 1987, Saget bagged the role of Danny Tanner in ‘Full House’ which gave him fame and popularity.

Source: BravoTV (Bob in Full House with his co-stars)

The Nielsen ratings of this show topped the list and more shows came his way. He became the host of the popular show called ‘America’s funniest home videos’ (1989-1997).

In 1998, he became a director, and his first film Dirty Work was made. However, this film did not achieve box office success. He also did a role in the comedy film ‘Half Baked’ the same year.

He also starred in Rising Dad in 2001. Bob hosted NBC’s game show called ‘1 vs. 100’ from 2006 to 2008. He also did some voice-over work. His HBO special called ‘That Ain’t Right’ was released in 2007 on DVD and was a tribute to his father who died in 2007 due to congestive cardiac failure. He also did several other TV shows.

Bob also wrote, directed, and acted in ‘Farce of the Penguins’. He played a vital role in Broadway’s ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’. He also starred in ‘Surviving Suburbia’ and ‘Strange Days’. B penned a book called ‘Dirty Daddy’ which was released in 2014. Bob also was seen in 2 episodes of ‘Grandfathered’.

For his sister

But most importantly was his 1996 ABC TV movie called ‘For Hope’ which was inspired by the life journey of his sister Gay who had died in 1993 due to scleroderma.

Recalling his sister’s diagnosis of scleroderma and her death, Bob Saget said:

“Unfortunately, rheumatologists in a lot of places don’t have very many scleroderma patients come through their labs, and no one knew what to do with her. I wish I’d known then what I know now.”

He said these words since his sister was misdiagnosed before her true diagnosis was made when she was 43 years of age. And she died when she was 47 years old.

He has become a board member of the Scleroderma Research Foundation. He makes efforts to raise awareness of the disease and let people know where they can seek assistance for their ailment. Bob does a lot of fundraising in order to find a cure for the disease.

Bob also said:

“Our organization has raised $25 million for research. Our chairman, Luke Evnin, is an amazing man, and lives up in San Francisco with his wife, Deann Wright. They’re both brilliant scientists and doctors. Dana Delany’s on the board, Caryn Zucker, Kristen Baker Bellamy, who lost her mother to scleroderma, and is married to Bill Bellamy. Robin Williams worked our first benefit. A number of celebrities sign on, which helps to give the disease a higher profile. As you may know, Regina, a significant number of the people who get scleroderma are African-American.”

Scleroderma

It is an extremely rare autoimmune disorder that leads to changes in the blood vessels, skin, muscles, and sometimes also the internal organs. There is no known cause for this condition but it is believed that genes and exposure to silica are the factors responsible for its development.

The person gets thickened skin, stiffness, feeling of tiredness, and poor circulation to the fingers and toes. A skin biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

The disease has no cure and some medicines can only control symptoms. Life is normal if the disease is localized but if it involves the internal organs, the life expectancy is 11 years from diagnosis.

Bob’s sister most probably had her internal organs also involved due to the disease which led to an early death.

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Short Bio on Bob Saget

Saget is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and television host. He is best known early in his career for his role as Danny Tanner on Full House. More Bio…

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