Actress Sunshine Cruz has revealed that she has been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that affects the muscles, making her recent runway appearance at the ‘Bench: Body of Work’ fashion show all the more remarkable.
In an Instagram post shared days after the event held at the Mall of Asia Arena on March 21, Sunshine opened up about her health journey, saying the past few months have been a “roller coaster.”
“It’s been a real roller coaster these past months. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called myasthenia gravis which has made building muscle a real struggle. But I’m so thankful for the strength I’ve found,” she wrote. She also thanked her fitness coach, Iya Ruff, for helping her prepare for the show.
Despite the challenges brought on by her condition, Sunshine stunned the audience in a red two-piece bikini, confidently strutting the runway and earning loud cheers and applause. Her appearance at the star-studded event served as a powerful message of resilience and empowerment.
“Walking for Bench was a powerful reminder of what’s possible even when things are tough,” she said. “To all my fellow moms and Gen Xers, never give up on your dreams.”
Myasthenia gravis is a rare autoimmune disorder that weakens the muscles under voluntary control. It typically affects movement in the eyes, eyelids, throat, and limbs, and is caused by a breakdown in communication between nerves and muscles due to immune system interference.
Cruz, 47, received support from her daughters Angelina, Sam, and Angel Francheska, along with fellow celebrities Vina Morales, Rufa Mae Quinto, Tracy Maureen Perez, and Donita Rose, who all expressed their admiration and encouragement in the comments.
She also expressed her gratitude to Bench founder Ben Chan: “Thank you Sir @bcbench for making mine a reality. I’m so honored to be part of the Bench family. The show was incredible. Everyone was amazing!”
Sunshine was joined at the event by her daughter Angelina Cruz, with both mother and daughter among the many personalities who walked the runway. Other notable stars included Kathryn Bernardo, Alden Richards, David Licauco, SB19, Michelle Dee, Ruru Madrid, Bianca Umali, Atasha and Andres Muhlach, Jake Cuenca, and Ina Raymundo.
Her partner, businessman Atong Ang, was also spotted in the audience, showing full support for the actress during her empowering walk.
Sunshine’s public revelation comes after other Filipino celebrities, including Kris Aquino, opened up about their own battles with autoimmune diseases.
