Karen Duffy a former model, television personality, bestselling author and actress.
At age 27 she began modeling and appearing in television commercials, then became an VJ for MTV in 1991.
In 1995 she was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis, a rare incurable disease that attacks the central nervous system.
In 2000 her book "Model Patient: My Life As an Incureable Wise-Ass" was published.
Received a bachelors degree in Recreational Therapy from the University of Colorado.
Graduated from Park Ridge High School, Park Ridge, New Jersey in 1979, and was a classmate of actor James Gandolfini.
Is of Irish ancestry.
Has a son, Jack Lambros (b. 2003), with her husband John Lambros.
Her son, Jack has appeared on the cover of "Parents" magazine.
Husband, John Lambros is an investment banker, born 1966.
Gave her son Jack the nickname "Lefty".
Owns a farm in Connecticut.
In 1995, Duffy was diagnosed with a rare form of the disease sarcoidosis called neurosarcoidosis. Her brain and spinal cord were affected, leaving her partially paralyzed. She wrote about her affliction in the humorous 2000 autobiography Model Patient: My Life as an Incurable Wise-Ass. In November 2017 she celebrated the publication of her second book, Backbone: Living with Chronic Pain without Turning into One where she wrote about battling with sarcoidosis for two decades. For Duffy, who can usually only get up three days a week, writing has served as a form of therapy. She hopes that her words will help the many others who also deal with chronic pain.
It really is a blessing when two people who are so full of dignity and,kindness and really live to make the world a better place get together.
Everyone who has sarcoidosis is affected differently.
In the beginning, when I first found out I had a disease that was,incurable, emotionally I had to get used to the idea of being sick,before I could think about making any other major decisions in my life.
I try to manage my time to conserve energy.
My Mt. Rushmore of hero worship would include Ralph Waldo Emerson,Marcus Aurelius, Frank Sinatra and Barry White.
Concealing an illness is like keeping a beach ball under water.
The lesion is in the area of my brain that is responsible for motor,function, so I have continual chronic pain in my left arm from elbow to,fingertips and the right side of my body from my ear to my breast area.
In a way, I have simplified my life by setting priorities.
I am a bit of a Cheap Pete, but I do spend a fortune on books and false,moustaches and practical jokes.
My family has been amazing, and they understand how blessed I am.
I have lots and lots of party clothes. I mean real party clothes.
You become a parent when you have a baby, no matter how you get there.
I prefer atrophy over exercise any day.
It is a mistake to do nothing just because you think you can only do a,little.
