Avril Lavigne, a well-known and loved punk-rock artist, had a near-death experience with Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease causes constant flu-like symptoms, joint pain, severe weakness, and fatigue. Lyme Disease can cause depression in their victims and often keep them bed-ridden for long periods of time. During an interview with ABC News, Lavigne told them that she had awoken with flu-like sweats during her 2015 tour and was not diagnosed until two months after her symptoms began. Lavigne’s story is truly amazing.
Photo by Breno Galtier Photography
Born 1984 in Canada, Avril Lavigne found her way into the spotlight at the age of 16 when her unique grungy-pop was discovered. She was a self-taught musician, playing the guitar, piano and drums. Her songs became an inspiration to girls everywhere. Songs such as “Girlfriend,” “Complicated,” and “Happy Ending” were her most listened-to songs. Lavigne was not afraid to express her anger with society. She appeared to be living the dream to every teenage girl, however; she had her own struggles. Struggling with drugs and alcohol, she was in and out of rehab. Lavigne was just living to sing and parting but had to change that when she was diagnosed.
Photo by Breno Galtier Photography
Battling an illness often results in a life change. She found herself looking for something to believe in to get her through the battle. Her newest song “Head Above Water” describes her feelings with powerful lyrics that cause her fans to tear up. Lavigne calls the song “a prayer to God” to get her through the disease. Lavigne considers her win against Lyme Disease a “second chance at life.” She is such an inspiration through her strength and honesty. Lavigne helps us to understand that stars are real people and that they experience the same struggles we do. The star continues to write music and live normally after her cure from Lyme Disease.