Sunshine Cruz. Image: Instagram/@sunshinecruz718

Sunshine Cruz revealed that she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called myasthenia gravis, less than a week after her runway appearance at the “Body of Work” fashion show.

Cruz opened up about her myasthenia gravis diagnosis on her Instagram page on Sunday, March 23, saying her condition made it difficult for her to build muscles.

“It’s been a real roller-coaster these past months. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called myasthenia gravis which has made building muscle a real struggle. But I’m so thankful for the strength I’ve found. Thank you @coach.iya,” she wrote.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder caused by antibodies blocking the communication between the nerve cells and muscles under one’s voluntary control, per health platform John Hopkins Medicine. Usually affecting the muscles controlling the eyes, eyelids, mouth, throat, and limbs, the disease results in the muscles getting weak and fatigued.

Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@sunshinecruz718

Despite her condition, Cruz said being part of the lifestyle brand’s fashion show was an opportunity to remind “fellow moms and Gen Xers” to not give up on their dreams.

“Walking for [brand] was a powerful reminder of what’s possible even when things are tough. To all my fellow moms and Gen Xers, never give up on your dreams. Thank you Sir [Ben Chan] for making mine a reality,” she said.

The actress received support from her daughters Angelina, Sam, and Angel Francheska in the comments section. Also praising Cruz are her celebrity friends Vina Morales, Rufa Mae Quinto, Tracy Maureen Perez, and Donita Rose.

Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@sunshinecruz718

Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@sunshinecruz718

Cruz and her daughter Angelina were among the celebrities who graced the star-studded “Body of Walk” fashion show on Friday, March 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Other stars who pranced on the runway were Kathryn Bernardo, Alden Richards, David Licauco, SB19, Ina Raymundo, Janine Gutierrez, Priscilla Meirelles, Ruru Madrid, Bianca Umali, Michelle Dee, Max Collins, Atasha Muhlach, Andres Muhlach, and Jake Cuenca, among many others.