The actress received the award of courage after speaking openly about her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Pamela Anderson spoke about her experience living with hepatitis C during an amfAR gala over the weekend, where she received the award of courage. Diagnosed in the late 1990s, Anderson recalled that her doctor initially told her there was no cure and estimated she had about 10 years to live. A cure became available a decade later, which she paid for using her own savings because it was not yet covered by health insurance. According to People, Anderson first announced she was free of the virus in 2015.
During her speech, The Last Showgirl actress and model shared how the diagnosis impacted her life and choices due to fear for her young children, as well as the guilt and shame she felt regarding access to treatment. Anderson noted that she found healing through the arts and film, adding that she has finally come to terms with her experience.
