Jemima Kirkeis proud of her friend.
Days afterLena Dunhamwasspotted walking with a canedue to anEhlers-Danlos syndrome flare-up, Kirke praised her close friend and formerGirlscostar for being so open about her health struggles.
“People need to understand that the only thing that really stands between anyone and success is their health, and that’s what Lena’s talking about now,” Kirke told PEOPLE at the Tribeca Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Program Luncheon in New York City on Monday. “She’s not talking about her looks or her social life or her love life, she’s talking about the only real thing that can stand between a woman and her dreams and that’s her health. And that’s the thing that she struggles with every day.”
Last Friday, Dunham, 33, was leaving a doctor’s appointment in Los Angeles when paparazzi photographed her holding a cane. The actress decided to address her situation directly andshared the photo on Instagramto explain that she’sstruggling with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a rare disorder that causes weak and painful joints,and loose skin.
“The truth is just: This is what life is like when I’m struggling most with chronic illness,” she wrote. “An Ehlers-Danlos syndrome flare means that I need support from more than just my friends… so thank you, sweet cane!”
Lena Dunham.TheImageDirect.com
Dunham said that choosing to use a cane was a big step.
“For years, I resisted doing anything that would make my physical situation easier, insisting that a cane would ‘make things weird.’ But it’s so much less weird to actually be able to participate than to stay in bed all day,” she said.
On Monday, Kirke said her friend was doing “great” and commended her use of the cane, as well.
“It looks like a nice way to get around,” she told PEOPLE. “I think it looks cool on her.”
Jemima Kirke.Craig Barritt/WireImage
Between her Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and endometriosis, Dunham is innately familiar with life with a chronic illness. In Nov. 2017, after years of endometriosis pain, sheunderwent a full hysterectomyto remove her uterus. She laterhad her left ovary removedas well to address lingering pain, and during her recovery, Dunham said shedeveloped a “dependency”to the anti-anxiety medicationKlonopin.
In April, after going to rehab,she celebrated one year of sobriety.
source: people.com
