Two-time Big Brother Australia winner Reggie Bird has revealed her latest diagnosis; a rare genetic disease that affects both her hearing and vision.
After being plagued with health issues since she first won Big Brother in 2003, fans doubted the mum of two’s ability to compete in the 2022 season due to her degenerative eye condition, pigmentosa.
Now, the 48-year-old has taken to Instagram with a video to announce that she has Usher syndrome.
“It’s not what I wanted to hear,” she said in the clip posted on October 13. “It’s the worst thing that you could have.
“I’m going to be deaf-blind.”
A doctor also told Reggie that the genetic disease is “autosomal recessive” (the way a genetic trait or condition can be passed down from parent to child), which is a “better thing” for the reality star’s children.
“That’s a silver lining,” she admitted before thanking her supporters.
“Just want to say thank you to all the people that do follow me and wanna follow my journey. There’s a lot more to come of Reggie… Stay tuned!”
Big Brother‘s Reggie Bird Explains Usher Syndrome
The Big Brother legend then explained to her followers what Usher syndrome is.
“Usher syndrome is where you’re deaf and blind, so… gonna have both, unfortunately,” she lamented.
“There’s no clinical trials here in Australia, and they’re just starting some in America, so there’s nothing that can be done.”
Alongside hearing and vision loss, those diagnosed with Usher syndrome can also experience balance problems.
Reggie Bird’s Supporters Rally Around the Big Brother Star
Hitting the comment section in full force, several of Reggie’s fans and co-stars rallied around her.
“Oh Reg. My heart. Love you so much,” her Big Brother 2022 co-star Tully Smyth wrote. “Just another challenge for you to not only conquer but absolutely smash. You’ve got this.”
Johnson Ashak penned, “Love you beautiful”, while Jaycee Edwards said he was “sending [his] love”.
Australian Survivor‘s Flick Eggington told Reggie she was “such an amazing woman”.
“I truly believe you will persevere through this and overcome all of the challenges that come your way in your own way,” she wrote.
“Remember how many people LOVE you. I am sure you will have some incredible support around you.”
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