Singer Anastacia was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at age 13 and with breast cancer at age 29, but she has resolved to let neither disease defeat her. Her two albums, Not That Kind and Freak of Nature have earned a total of 42 platinum albums. She is an international sensation and has won several awards including awards as MTV Europe's Best Pop Artist and Best New Artist at the World Music Awards.
Born in Chicago, Anastacia was introduced to the entertainment business at an early age by her parents; her father is a singer and her mother an actress. Anastacia started her career as a dancer in music videos and on Club MTV. She landed a recording contract with Epic Records after singing on MTV's The Cut. Anastacia co-wrote the songs on her second album and has performed with legends such as Elton John and Luciano Pavoratti.
Instead of being embarrassed by, or hiding her disease, Anastacia speaks openly about Crohn's disease and the profound influence it has on her life and her music. She does not hide the scars on her abdomen, a reminder of the surgery she had for Crohn's when she was just 13 years old. She feels that her disease helps her to understand herself and her motivations. Crohn's also inspires her to live her life to the fullest.
