The Myositis Association (TMA) is thrilled to recognize Karen Alexander, a groundbreaking Black supermodel who was diagnosed with dermatomyositis in 2016. Karen will be honored with TMA’s Heroes in the Fight Patient Ambassador Award on September 7, 2024, in Baltimore, MD.
The Myositis Heroes in the Fight Patient Ambassador Award is annually presented by TMA to an individual or group that has demonstrated sustained effort and extraordinary success raising awareness of myositis diseases among the public. In 2023, Grammy-winning musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Peter Frampton, who is living with inclusion body myositis, received the award.
Karen recently opened up to TMA about the profound importance of her family, revealing that they are the heartbeat that drives her forward. A devoted wife and mother, Karen has three remarkable daughters, Zora, Ella, and Audrey Rose, each of whom is making their own unique mark on the world. Though originally hailing from New Jersey, Karen’s close-knit family now spans the globe. Karen’s determination is fueled by her family and friends—her people. In her DM treatments, she is laser-focused on enhancing her health so that one day she can meet her grandkids.
Professionally, Karen Alexander is an American fashion model known for her extensive work with distinguished publications, designers, and photographers over a robust career spanning four decades. Karen has been featured in numerous major magazines, including American, British, French, German, and Italian Vogue; Essence; Glamour; Harper’s Bazaar; Mademoiselle; and Marie Claire. Karen became the first Black Elle cover star in 1986, and the following year she was featured in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue.
In 1990, Karen was included in People Magazine’s inaugural “50 Most Beautiful People” list, and she later posed for the 1994 Pirelli Calendar. Karen has starred in advertising campaigns for Calvin Klein, Caroline Herrera, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co., Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria’s Secret, and Yves Saint Laurent. Beauty clients include Avon, Cover Girl, Olay, Pantene, Revlon, and Sephora. Beauty clients include Avon, Cover Girl, Olay, Pantene, Revlon, and Sephora. She has walked the runway for Armani, among many others, and is the first and only Black model to serve as the face of a fragrance produced by the storied fashion house Chanel. With this accomplishment and others, Karen continues to expand the rich legacy of Black fashion models.
On Instagram, Karen shared this photo and caption…
“This is my first and only photo with my natural hair. For the 37 years of my career, I was always told to come to work ‘with straight hair.’ And, if you’ve been following along here you’ll know that my ongoing treatment for #Dermatomyositis has meant continual hair loss (while preserving my ability to swallow and walk) so I’m celebrating my curls and coils.”
Beyond her work in fashion, Karen has been a dedicated hospice volunteer for over three decades, supporting patients through their end-of-life care. Since she was diagnosed with dermatomyositis in 2016, Karen has used her platform to raise awareness of and foster community around this disease.
TMA Executive Director Paula Eichenbrenner says, “We are deeply impressed by Karen’s beauty, tenacity, and authenticity. These traits were certainly visible in her trailblazing magazine covers. Her beauty and character have become all the more apparent over the last eight years, as she’s thrived while navigating dermatomyositis.”
Karen will accept this prestigious award on September 7, 2024, during the Heroes in the Fight Award Celebration. TMA is especially proud to recognize Karen as our TMA Women of Color Affinity Group marks its fifth anniversary.
argenx is the Lead Partner for TMA’s 2024 Patient Ambassador Award.