*unfortunately we have sad news to report about iconic supermodel Pat Cleveland. After walking the runway at Paris Week, she was rushed to a hospital and underwent emergency surgery … after it was discovered she had colon cancer.
Cleveland, one of first African-American models to feature on magazine covers and on the runway, was in Paris specifically to model for Tommy Hilfiger. After the event, she decided stayed in Paris, but fell ill and was rushed to the hospital.
Cleveland, 68, underwent surgery on March 23 and is in the American Hospital in intensive care. Here’s where the story gets worse. Cleveland cannot afford the treatment — she apparently has no health insurance (outside of the US) — and her husband, Paul Van Ravenstein, has set up a GoFundMe page to pay for her treatment, which has so far reached $43,000 of its $150,000 goal.
Here’s what Paul Van Ravenstein wrote about his wife:
“While in Paris this week, Pat was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital where the doctors discovered colon cancer. Pat has had surgery and will remain in Paris recovering until the doctors clear her for travel.
Thankfully, Anna [Pat’s daughter, a model and performer who lives in Paris] has been by Pat’s side throughout, taking great care of her mom. I am headed to Paris this week and hope to have her back home soon so she can begin treatments here in the U.S. Many thanks for your love, support and prayers. We are looking forward to having Pat back to her old self again very soon.”
MICHAEL IRVIN UPDATES FANS ON HEALTH SCARE, SAYS HE’S ‘CANCER-FREE’
Van Ravenstein, a photographer, who has been married to Cleveland for 35 years is as shocked as everyone else about his wife’s condition.
“She is so healthy, she is a vegan, doesn’t drink or smoke, she has had some stomach complaints for a few months, it got a little better but not totally, but when she got to Paris she felt very uncomfortable, her belly was swollen, and the doctor told her to get in a taxi and go to the American Hospital in Paris immediately.
“A scan found a cancerous tumor blocking her colon, and she went into surgery immediately and they operated on her for two and a half hours.”
A shaken Van Ravenstein added this …
“Pat has had a successful career, but we are not rich, she modeled in the days when there was no big paychecks, no big endorsement deals. It was not big money like some of these models make today. And today, one month you might have ten jobs and another month you might have no jobs at all.
“Pat has no health insurance, she only has Medicare, which won’t cover anything outside of the country. We didn’t even think about it because Pat has been so healthy. We had no option but to set up a GoFundMe, we have been so grateful for everyone’s support, she’s worked with so many people over her career.”
Again, if you are so inclined, please help Pat Cleveland via her GoFundMe page, HERE.
In related news, ever want to show a friend or relative your love and concern about their health and well being and they snap at you for having the gall to care?! Well, that happened to podcaster, the Ghetto Doctor:
Reach out to Cory King, the Ghetto Doctor via: [email protected]
