Camerone Parker McCulloch has appeared in over 400 magazines worldwide. Camerone has walked the runways for top designers like Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, and Giorgio Armani. She has been seen on billboards nationwide (including Times Square) for Ralph Lauren POLO. And Camerone has been a featured guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show (Harpo Productions), Good Morning America (ABC), The Today Show (NBC), The View (ABC), and The Early Show (CBS). New York Times Best of NYFW Street Style; and many more, and was named ‘Most Fashionable Woman – Best of the City’ for a THIRD consecutive year.
While at the highest point of her modeling career, in January 1998, Camerone was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She chose to keep her illness a secret and to continue working. She was aware this diagnosis could end her career. She needed every modeling job possible to pay for her medical treatment. In 2009 Camerone decided to go public about her battle with MS.
Today, she is passionate about helping find a cure. In that arena, it is without a doubt that she is making a real impact. Camerone has raised millions of dollars for various charities and never charges a speaker’s fee.
Of course, fashion is still very much a part of her life and one of the things she’s quite passionate about. She was recently featured in the New York Times for her jaw-dropping appearance at NY Fashion Week and has returned to the runway, calling it one of the proudest moments of her career. She also has quite the collection of couture and vintage finds in her closet.
These days there is no “typical” day for Camerone, except that she is living life to the fullest and enjoying life as a newlywed. And although she’s lived quite the jet-setting lifestyle, she is incredibly down to earth. When she isn’t traveling, she and her husband spend their time in Phoenix or their second home in Sedona.
Hi Camerone, Thank you for your time. Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
Model, Film Personality, and Philanthropist. I have appeared in over 400 magazines worldwide. I’m the former face of Olay, and I have walked the runways for top designers like Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, and Giorgio Armani. I am most passionate about making a difference, thus philanthropy and advancing the mission of charities close to my heart! Doing this is the best medicine around! And doing for others is what drives me. I’ve been told my enthusiasm is contagious. I do love to make people laugh! Celebrating life with my husband, Robert McCulloch, and our two precious rescue mini doxies, Squirty and Pixie make life extraordinary.
Who has been the most significant influence in your life?
Naming just one influence, to me, is like trying to choose your favorite child! (Laughing) I’m blessed to have incredible parents and a lifelong posse of treasured friends who have provided an inspiring, grounded foundation. The ups, downs, and surprises life presents are all lessons. The influence felt every day!
What has been the biggest highlight of your career?
I look at my entire career and its profound longevity as the real highlight. Without a doubt, the opportunity to be a “Muse” for John Sun Silks, Bert Keeter and Peach Carr has opened my eyes to the power of inspiration. To see a collection where I was the vision, it’s nothing short of magical.
Why did you choose a modeling career?
In all honesty, it wasn’t even on my radar! I was discovered! I guess I’d say the industry “chose” me. Beautiful people are everywhere. To make it as a model, one MUST be unique, one-of-kind and unforgettable.
Do you have any advice for new models?
Never go behind your agent/managers back. EVER.
Current photos and measurements. VITAL.
Always get a good night’s rest before a shoot/show.
Arrive 30 minutes early to every gig. On-time is late in my book.
Kindness to EVERYONE onset/back of the house is a must. A simple “Thank You” to each person you worked with carries forward!
Please tell us about MS and how it has changed your life?
I still get emotional thinking about that day back in January 1998, when I heard my doctor say, “You have Multiple Sclerosis. There is no cure. You’ll have this for the rest of your life” was D E V A S T A T I N G. How could this happen? How DID this happen? He went on talking about the “disease-modifying drug” I was being prescribed… blah, blah, blah… I was slumped over and finally raised my head with monster-size tears in my eyes and said, “You’ve just signed my death warrant! NO ONE will hire me knowing I have this.” Even more upsetting? As a model – I didn’t have medical insurance. Being diagnosed with MS would be considered a preexisting condition, so private insurance wasn’t an option. I now needed every assignment possible to pay for my continued care. My prescribed drug-therapy alone was $65,000 a year, every year, for the rest of my life. The decision to keep my MS diagnosis a secret was absolutely necessary.
Multiple Sclerosis has changed my life. It’s made me cry. It has tripped me up. A gripping hug that I can’t escape. MS has given me pain, yet through it all, having MS has taught me how to fight, and to fight for others.
You are a leading powerful celebrity voice for MS, what message do you have for those who are dealing with MS?
You either give up, or you GET UP.
I am deeply committed to changing the face of what MS “looks” like. Thankfully, today I’m not in a wheelchair nor use a walker. I’ve been told I simply don’t “look” sick enough to have MS. WHAT?? That’s CRAZY! It’s not as if my MRI is on view for everyone. The invisible impact of having MS is staggering. I’ve undergone two eye surgeries to save my vision (MS-related Cataracts with Symfony Intraocular Lens exchange) The toll of 21+ years on a steady MS drug-therapy has now left me internal organ damage.
For those newly diagnosed, you are not alone. There is no ME in MS. There is only WE. WE, as MS patients, are making a difference. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society should be your #1 source for help, support, and the latest in MS news and Disease-Modifying Drugs (DMDs).
Remember, no two MS patients are alike. Please surround yourself with a Neurological MS team that treats YOU!
What is your next plan in life?
Well, (sigh). Life’s plans constantly change! Sometimes you’re prepared, sometimes not. As for me, life is all about celebrating moments, big or small, all the while, wearing fierce shoes, of course!
Is there someone you’d like to meet in the future?
That’s a toughie. Hmmmm… let’s see.
First: Ellen Degeneres, no brainer. I think we’d make each other laugh plus, and we could get an audience seriously dancing to “September” by Earth Wind & Fire. Second: Judge Judy (Judith Sheindlin). I think meeting her would be more for my parents. True story. My Parents (can’t stop laughing right now) have repeatedly asked me, “When will that fancy agent of yours get you a Guest Spot on Judge Judy?”Ahhhh, gotta love my parents! (laughing)
How do you enjoy spending your free time?
Hands down, it’s relaxing with my husband at our Sedona home. Nothing beats a great Kiki with fireplaces lit and the soothing rush of Oak Creek.
Do you think with the growth of social media and technology, we can help more people who are dealing with MS?
Since my diagnosis, the evolving social media platform has been explosive. Objectively, it has greatly changed the landscape of health, medicine, and immediate information. I think it’s crucial to maintaining “Fair Balance” when using social media. Just because a celebrity has endorsed or aligned themselves with treatment, drug, diet, etc. does NOT mean they are a professional in the illness. Ask your Doctor firsthand! Medically speaking, what works for me is carefully orchestrated by my Physicians. My DMD journey could be catastrophic to another. “One size DOES NOT fit ALL” when treating MS. Connect and stay informed!
Please share your thoughts with our readers about living healthy, happy, and being positive.
Each day, I am living with Strength, Courage, and Self Respect.
Strength. Being my best self often means doing things that may be simple to difficult and challenging. It would be much easier to just sit around on a couch and give up. If all I can do today is sit up and smile, that is my strength for the day!
Courage. It takes courage to create the life I desire. As I explore and honor what I ultimately want for myself, I am continually evolving with life changes. Think of courage as a wardrobe. It offers change every day.
Self Respect. Living my best life begins simply with the gift of life. Every single day is a blessing and is the foundation on which I build the life I desire. Appreciating life means respecting myself and my loved ones. My posse is priceless!
My body, despite illness, is the vehicle for this journey. When I give it the fuel and maintenance that it needs, it will continue to take me everywhere!
Comments