Christopher Cross. Image: Facebook/@ChristopherCrossOfficial
Singer Christopher Cross is wheelchair-bound after his battle with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) but says the disease did not cause the paralysis in his legs.
In an update on his recovery last month, April 17, Cross said he was “unable to walk” after being ill for weeks. He has since clarified his health condition on Thursday, April 30.
“I was not paralyzed by [COVID-19]; the virus induced a very rare syndrome called Guillain-Barré,” he said on Facebook.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
“GBS resulted in a paralysis of my legs, part of my face, and a numbness in my fingertips,” Cross explained.
“It has been a terribly difficult situation, but I’ve been fortunate to have excellent medical care and I’m slowly making progress,” he assured fans. “I’m working with a physical therapist to build strength in my muscles and eventually walk.”
“Being in a wheelchair has taught me a lot about patience and resilience, but especially to count my blessings,” he added.
As he faces challenges with his health, Cross marked his birthday yesterday, May 3 with cake at home. Sharing a picture of him holding up a cake in his wheelchair, he said, “I’m happy to write that I had a very happy birthday celebration.”
The Grammy award-winning singer is known for his hits in the 1980s such as “Sailing”, “I Will (Take You Forever)”, “Think of Laura” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)”; the latter song also won him an Oscar for Best Original Song, in a collaboration with music icons Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager. JB
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