"I have a disease, but I also have a lot of other things"

Teri Garr’s statement, “I have a disease, but I also have a lot of other things,” reflects an attitude of resilience and multidimensional self-identity in the face of illness. Often, a diagnosis, especially of a chronic or visible disease, can become the defining label for a person in the eyes of others, and sometimes even in their own self-perception. However, Garr’s words resist this reductionist view. She acknowledges the reality of her disease candidly, but she insists on a broader perspective, inviting both herself and others to remember that individuals are more than their medical conditions.

Within these words lies a powerful reminder of the complexity of human experience. Illness, though significant and often life-altering, is only one piece of a multifaceted personality. Talents, relationships, humor, ambitions, memories, and dreams persist regardless of diagnosis. For Garr, who is known not only for her acting but also for her wit and creativity, this assertion affirms that her contributions, joys, and identity extend well beyond her disease. Her statement counters the stigmatization and invisibility that can accompany serious illness. By placing her disease among the many aspects of her life, she models self-compassion and encourages others to see people as whole beings rather than mere embodiments of their struggles.

Furthermore, her words offer hope to those living with illnesses, showing it’s possible to cultivate a rich, fulfilling life despite, or alongside, hardship. It’s a call to focus not exclusively on limitations but also on capacities and passions. Society often expects those who are ill to conform to certain narratives of suffering or heroism, but Garr’s approach is pragmatic and balanced; she acknowledges adversity, but grounds her identity in the fuller range of who she is. In doing so, she reclaims control over her own story and gives dignity to a lived reality many share, fostering understanding and respect.