Karen “Duff” Duffy is an American writer, model, television personality, and actress.

Karen Duffy is also a certified hospital chaplain, a former Coney Island Mermaid Queen, and one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” in 1993.

Karen Duffy health

In 1995, Karen Duffy was diagnosed with a very rare disease.

Karen Duffy disease

In 1995, Karen Duffy was diagnosed with a rare form of the disease sarcoidosis called neurosarcoidosis.

Neurosarcoidosis is a form of sarcoidosis and is a long-term (chronic) disease of the central nervous system, which encompasses the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve, and is characterized by inflammation within one or more of those areas.

Karen Duffy book

Following her diagnosis, Karen Duffy has written two books about her experience living with chronic pain and is a member of the Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Pain Patients.

Karen Duffy is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, Model Patient: My Life as an Incurable Wise-Ass.

In her latest book, Backbone: Living With Chronic Pain Without Turning Into One, Karen Duffy describes her ongoing incurable disease and constant pain, using humor and acceptance of her condition to cope.

Karen Duffy was inspired to write the second book by Lord Byron, who wrote “Always laugh when you can, it is cheap medicine.”

Karen Duffy net worth

Karen Duffy has an estimated net worth of $17 million.