Actor and singer Aaron Lazar is opening up about his journey with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. In a candid interview on The Broadway Show, Lazar discussed his diagnosis, his perspective on the disease, and his approach to living a fulfilling life despite the challenges he faces.
Lazar, a stage veteran with an impressive career on Broadway and in musicals, revealed that he was diagnosed with ALS two years ago but only went public with the news in January. Instead of focusing on fighting the disease, which currently has no cure, Lazar has embarked on a 'healing journey' to take care of his mind, body, and spirit.
At just 47 years old, Lazar's positive outlook is commendable in the face of such a brutal illness. ALS affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the loss of muscle control. It often starts with spasms and weakness in the hands, feet, arms, or legs and eventually progresses to other parts of the body, making it difficult to move, speak, swallow, and breathe.
The life expectancy for individuals with ALS is generally three to five years from the time of diagnosis. Death typically occurs due to the degeneration or paralysis of the respiratory muscles. It's a devastating prognosis, especially considering that there is currently no proven treatment for the disease.
Lazar's journey with ALS began with experiencing symptoms for several months before receiving an official diagnosis. He described the process of diagnosis as challenging, as ALS is often diagnosed by ruling out other illnesses. The period leading up to the diagnosis was filled with anxiety, insomnia, and depression for Lazar.
However, learning about his condition became a turning point for Lazar. Rather than succumbing to fear, he decided to approach life with courage and a commitment to not let ALS define him. In addition to traditional medication, Lazar has incorporated art, spirituality, and a focus on how he wants to feel in his daily life into his treatment regimen.
Instead of dwelling on the disease, Lazar chooses to create his own perception of his life. He aims to cultivate joy, relaxation, and ease in everything he does. Lazar acknowledges the role perception plays in shaping our experiences and strives to shower his nervous system with love.
Since going public with his diagnosis, Lazar has received overwhelming support and love from the Broadway community. Former co-stars, such as Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Park, Matt Doyle, Kerry Butler, Max von Essen, and Lena Hall, have expressed their support and admiration for Lazar's resilience.
Lazar sees his ALS diagnosis as a divine opportunity wrapped in an impossible situation. He believes it has allowed him to pause and appreciate the beauty of every moment. In the fast-paced world of show business, he has learned not to miss out on the present and to embrace the unknown. By living fully in each moment, Lazar aims to find fulfillment despite the challenges he faces.
Aaron Lazar's story is an inspiration to all facing adversity. His courage, positivity, and determination to live a meaningful life even in the face of ALS serve as a reminder to cherish each moment and find joy wherever and whenever possible.
