Women Writers and Health Conditions

Kamala Das, also known as Kamala Surayya, was diagnosed with polio at the age of 13, which left her with a permanent limp.

Helen Keller was born with cerebral palsy, which left her deaf and blind.

Susan Sontag was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her early 30s, which she wrote about in her book (Illness as Metaphor).

Audre Lorde was born with a congenital heart defect, which she wrote about in her poetry and prose.

Audre Lorde was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 40s, which she wrote about in her poetry and prose.

Toni Morrison was diagnosed with lupus in her early 20s, which she wrote about in her novel (The Bluest Eye).

Maya Angelou was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in her late 60s, which she wrote about in her memoir (Mom & Me & Mom).

Toni Morrison was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in her early 80s, which she wrote about in her novel (Home).