Melissa Claire Egan Hopes Opening Up About Her Miscarriage Helps Others Going Through the Same Pain
Actress Melissa Claire Egan, beloved by soap fans for her roles as Chelsea Lawson on The Young and the Restless and Annie Lavery on All My Children, has opened up about the miscarriage she suffered back in January of 2018 in the hopes that it will help others going through the same heartbreak.
“This picture was taken on January 18, 2018,” she said of the photo of her giving a groggy thumbs up from her hospital bed. “My husband took this picture an hour after my D&C surgery, after I had suffered a miscarriage at eight weeks.”
Egan admitted that while she freely discussed the experience with those close to her, she and husband Matt Katrosar hadn’t yet shared it with the world. “I’m very candid about my miscarriage with my friends and family and speak openly about it to anyone that asks if we want kids,” she explained. “It’s never been a secret. And I was so lucky to have my incredible husband and best friends and family there for me every step of the way. It’s so hard, and takes such a toll on you emotionally and physically, hormonally, all of it. But I hadn’t shared it publicly. Not for any particular reason — I just hadn’t.
“Then recently a friend that I don’t see often told me that sadly she had suffered one as well,” Egan continued. “She seemed almost relieved when I told her I had the same experience. She told me she had felt alone and like a failure, and less-than, because she hadn’t heard other people speak about it. This made me so sad and made me want to share my story. With anyone and everyone. Just so no one feels alone. I promise you you’re not alone.”
The actress also admitted to being inspired by other celebrities who had shared their own personal stories. “Carrie Underwood’s recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning was so beautiful and had me in tears,” Egan revealed. “I was in the thick of my last and final days on Y&R at the time, so I feel her pain over having to ‘cry pretty.’ Only a very small group of people knew at the show, and they could not have been more wonderful and took great care of me. I also got such strength from Hilarie Burton and Claire Holt’s posts last year. They were so open and honest and supportive and I really admire that and am grateful. So now I’m happy to do the same. Please don’t feel alone. Or like a failure. You’re everything, and I’m here with you. Much love.”
Our hearts go out to Egan for her heartbreaking loss, and we hope that her inspiring words help others who have experienced the same find comfort and support.
This article originally appeared on our sister site, CBS Soaps in Depth.
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