Duffy was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 1995, after years of inexplicable headaches and pneumonia. Sarcoidosis is an incurable condition that causes clusters of inflammatory cells, or granulomas, to form in her brain, central nervous system, and lungs, causing persistent suffering.
Advertisement
Karen continued to work despite suffering from chronic pain. In 2000, she became an author when she published her first book, Model Patient: My Life As An Incurable Wise-A**, Her life in the spotlight was recorded in the book, and it all came to an abrupt halt when she received her diagnosis.
In 2017, she released her second book, Backbone: Living With Chronic Pain Without Becoming One. It was a way for her to express how she coped with chronic pain and suffering by using humour and acceptance.
In 2018, Karen made an unexpected debut on The Real Housewives of New York City.
Advertisement

That was her last television appearance. Karen now devotes her time to being a wife, mother, and writer. Wise Up: Irreverent Enlightenment from a Mother Who’s Been Through It, her third book, was released on April 12, 2022.
With a mix of life lessons and hilarious experiences, the book is presented in the style of letters to her 18-year-old son, Jack. Karen celebrated her 60th birthday with friends last year and is currently working on two films: New World and The World’s Greatest Beer Run Ever.


Leave a Reply