A hike in the woods, a new puppy, a hand-washing video, board games, and safety guidelines. Celebrity cancer survivors are staying home to prevent the spread of coronavirus and reminding fans, "We're in this together."
As the coronavirus outbreak sends the world into social isolation, celebrity cancer survivors are taking to Instagram to remind us all to take precautions against spreading the virus.
“Be Ready”
Michael Douglas, who survived stage IV squamous cell carcinoma oral cancer in 2010, shared guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) with a (previous) photo taken with U.N. Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. “Speed is of the essence,” he writes on Instagram today.
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All of the @unitednations is joining in solidarity with @who, as they help the world fight #COVID19. Speed is of the essence. We must “Be Ready” for the new #coronavirus today. Look out for the most common symptoms for #COVID19: fever, dry cough & shortness of breath. Please click the link in my bio to find out other ways to prepare for the virus by reading the latest @who advice!
Like the rest of us, Douglas is “staying at home with our newest family member, Taylor Douglas,” a puppy, as he shared on Sunday.
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“Today is a reminder that we are all in this together. It is crucial to be kind and caring towards each other. Please stay safe and don’t forget to wash your hands! ❤️ MD”
“Hunker Down and Enjoy Your Family”
Las Vegas, illusionist Criss Angel has suspended his “MindFREAK” show during the outbreak, so he posted a video from home on Instagram. “I want to encourage everybody to be safe,” Angel says, while his youngest son sits on his head. “Wash your hands, always … Stay away from groups of people, obviously … And just hunker down and just enjoy your family.”
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Angel’s older son, Johnny Crisstopher, 6, is currently being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and was not in the video. “Enjoy some time to relax,” he adds.
“And the world will get back to normal, bigger-better than ever. Stay optimistic because it will.”
“Wash Your Hands”
Aussie actor, Hugh Jackman has survived six rounds of basal cell carcinoma. He remains vigilant about follow up skin-checks with his dermatologist. Yesterday, he shared a video with handwashing tips. After being scolded by fans for letting the water run, he posted this updated version, below:
“Hang Onto Your Tickets”
179 shows into his farewell tour, Elton John, who survived prostate cancer in 2017, announced he’s postponing shows through May 2nd.
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“I’m raring to go … but your health and safety are so much more important than coming to a concert for the time being,” he cautions.
” Stay at home, spend time with your loved ones,” John tells his fans, lovingly. “Take precautions because I want you all to be as safe as possible. I’m dying to see you when it is safe. Until then.”
“Stay Home, Save Lives”
Former “Bachelorette” Ali Fedowtowski, shared the family photo (below) writing, “5 hours into our self-quarantine and we are totally not losing it #lies.” The “Hallmark Home and Family” member was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma — a form of skin cancer — in January.
“I just found these whistles and gave them to the kids,” she writes on Instagram, “and Kevin said, “Yeah, I’m pretty sure the CDC just recommended giving your kids small object to put in their mouths that blows spit everywhere” ???????????? To my credit, I did wash them with soap and water first. ????”
Life under quarantine with small children isn’t easy. “It’s gonna be a long couple weeks or more,” Fedowtowski acknowledges, ” but … I feel passionate that it’s important that those who are able to stay home do just that ❤️. It will save lives.”
Bored? Play Board Games
Olympic gymnast and ovarian cancer survivor, Shannon Miller holds two gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.
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But while her family’s homebound, her go-to prize is board games. “I’d tell you this was due to #covid19,” she posted in an Instagram video.
“But really it’s just a Sunday…What are we missing?” With classics like Monopoly, Sorry, and Clue on hand, Miller’s family is ready.
“Get Outdoors — Alone”
Breast cancer survivor and ABC news anchor, Amy Roback, posted “All by myself,” from a hike in the woods.
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“Actually,” she clarified, “8 of us went hiking .. 6 feet apart. ❤️”
Given the anxiety than many are feeling during this outbreak, a little time in nature could prove soothing — as long as we maintain social-distancing precautions and hand-washing precautions to keep it safe.
Constance Costas is a writer for SurvivorNet.