Lisa Thomas Laury Illness: What Disease Does She Have?
by Tamilchandran | Updated Apr 27, 2023
Who is Lisa Thomas Laury?
Born on July 19, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, Lisa Thomas-Laury is a retired American journalist who worked for more than three decades in the Philadelphia area. She made history as the first African American woman to anchor a newscast in Philadelphia, starting her career at WCAU-TV in 1983 as a general assignment reporter. Lisa was well-known for her professionalism, warmth, and dedication to journalism.
Despite retiring in 2016, her health struggles have remained in the public eye. However, Lisa has since become a passionate advocate for health issues and has inspired many in her community to follow her example.
Lisa Thomas Laury Illness
In 2016, Lisa Thomas-Laury retired from her career as a journalist, citing health issues that she had been open about. Her health struggles began in 2001 when she was diagnosed with POEMS syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that can damage the nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues in the body. The condition can cause a range of symptoms, including numbness, weakness, fatigue, and organ damage.
Lisa underwent treatment for the condition, including chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, which led to a partial recovery. However, she still experiences ongoing symptoms and complications related to the condition. Despite this, Lisa has become a vocal advocate for health issues, particularly those that affect women and minorities. She has used her platform to raise awareness and educate others about these issues.
What Disease Does Lisa Thomas Laury Have?
The diagnosis of Lisa Thomas-Laury's POEMS syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition, was made. An uncommon blood condition called POEMS syndrome affects the nerves, blood vessels, and organs among other bodily systems. The acronym "POEMS" stands for Polyneuropathy (nerve damage), Organomegaly (enlarged organs), Endocrinopathy (hormone imbalances), Monoclonal gammopathy (abnormal protein in the blood), and Skin abnormalities.
These are some of the main characteristics of the syndrome. Numerous symptoms, such as numbness, weakness, weariness, and organ damage, can be brought on by the illness. Depending on how severe the problem is, POEMS syndrome treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant.
Is Lisa Thomas Laury Sick?
By the end of 2003, Lisa Thomas-Laury was no longer able to walk and had to rely on a wheelchair due to her health issues. Her condition had caused her internal systems to malfunction, including the paralysis of her vocal cords and some of the nerves in her digestive tract, resulting in the loss of her recognizable voice that had endeared her to many. In 2004, Lisa sought treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where local medical professionals confirmed her diagnosis of POEMS syndrome.
She underwent several cycles of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, using her own healthy marrow, which ultimately provided her with some relief. After a 22-year career at WPVI, Lisa Thomas-Laury faced a significant challenge when she was diagnosed with POEMS syndrome, a rare neurological illness that took two years to diagnose accurately. In response to her diagnosis, Lisa wrote the book "On Camera and Off," with the goal of inspiring others with chronic illnesses to live their lives to the fullest and navigate the complex healthcare system.
Where is Lisa Thomas Laury Now?
Lisa Thomas-Laury, currently 68 years old, resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she serves as an active senior despite ongoing medical challenges. She was recently selected to be the co-grand marshal, alongside former 6ABC newsreader Vernon Odom, at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's 50th-anniversary event in 2023. Lisa expressed her appreciation for PCA's dedication to enhancing the quality of life and empowering elderly residents of Philadelphia.
Lisa's recovery from her illness took over a year, during which she had to overcome her dependence on prescription drugs for the severe pain in her legs, feet, and ankles before returning to work.
Lisa Thomas Laury Net Worth
Lisa Thomas-Laury is a well-known and wealthy news presenter from the USA. Our research, which included sources such as Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider, estimates her current net worth to be $5 million. William Laury is Lisa Thomas-Laury's husband, and the couple has two sons, Langston (35) and Leland (32), both born to Lisa and her doctor husband Bill Laury.
Lisa is considered one of the most popular newsreaders and is listed among the notable American celebrities according to elit. Lisa celebrates her birthday on July 19th each year. She left WPVI after 38 years of service in 2016.
Lisa Thomas Laury Illness - FAQs
William Laury is the husband of Lisa Thomas Laury, the former News Presenter.
As of now, Lisa Thomas is 68 years old and she was born on July 19, 1954.
The two sons of Thomas-Laury and her doctor spouse Bill Laury are Langston, 35, and Leland, 32.
Thomas-Laury required a second bone marrow transplant in 2015. In 2016, she formally retired.
Lisa Thomas Laury is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.