Melanie Watson, actress of My Friend Arnold, suffering from osteogenesis imperfecta, has died, what is the rare disease

Melanie Watsonactress known to the general public for her role as Kathy Gordon in the series My friend Arnolddied at the age of 57 due to complications related to a hemorrhage. Since her birth, she was suffering from osteogenesis imperfectaa rare disease also known as “brittle bone disease”.

What is known about the death of Melanie Watson

To confirm the death of Melanie Watson, a TMZit was his brother Robert.

The actress is deceased on the day of Friday 26 December a Colorado Springsfollowing a recent hospitalization linked to ahemorrhage. Her health conditions deteriorated rapidly, despite the doctors’ efforts to save her life which, unfortunately, were in vain.

Actress Melanie Watson is known to the general public for starring in the TV series My Friend Arnold, alongside Gary Coleman.

Who was the actress Melanie Watson

Melanie Watson was born on July 20, 1968 in Dana Point, California, USA. Since birth, he has lived with a rare disease: osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as “brittle bone disease”.

His popularity is due to playing the role of Kathy Gordon in the TV series My Friend Arnold (“Diff’rent Strokes” is the original title) between the years 1981 and 1984.

Melanie Watson took part in 4 of the show’s 189 episodes, playing a cheerful little girl in a wheelchair, friend of the protagonist Arnold (played by Gary Coleman).

After retiring from the scene, Melanie Watson dedicated her life to various charitable initiatives. He co-founded the nonprofit organization Train Riteengaged in training shelter dogs to transform them into support animals for people with disabilities. Melanie Watson was also the CEO of Couiffie’s Rancha project to support the autonomy of disabled people.

What is osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta, as explained on the Bambino Gesù hospital website, is a rare genetic disease also known as “brittle bone disease” and characterized by reduction in bone strength caused by aalteration of the connective tissue (the fiber of the bone) which makes them more susceptible to fractures.

In reality, however, it is a group of different diseases (at least 5), present in one newborn in 10-20 thousand.