He holds black belts in Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu jitsu and judo and is the founder of the discipline Chun Kuk Do, an American hybrid martial arts style based on Traditional Taekwondo styles such as Tang Soo Do/Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo.
Besides being a huge part of Hollywood, he is also a family man and a father of five. He and his wife Gena O’Kelley, a former model, have been together for over 22 years. What we love about Norris is that he never misses a chance to remind Gena, as well as all of us, how much she means to him.
Back in 2013, Chuck lost his father to cancer and he’s been fighting the disease in his own way ever since by raising awareness and speaking openly about it. He has served as a proponent of early diagnosis and prevention of cancer and travels the country speaking to organizations about the significance of being examined regularly.
At the same time, Chuck’s everyday life is a struggle because of his wife’s illness.
According to the couple, it all started when Gena went for a routine MRI scan in 2013 and received an injection that is a standard process before someone enters MRI scan. At that same moment, she started experiencing tremors and burning all over her body. Her condition was hard to diagnose as doctors themselves have no idea what could have caused that awful burning sensation.
The biggest issue is that doctors’ were unable to diagnose her and had no idea what could have caused the symptoms which became worse and worse.
“Within hours after the first jab, I felt like my whole body was on fire — as if acid had been passed through it. The burning was isolated at first, but it just kept spreading… I just lay in bed on an IV for five months and had to have round-the-clock nursing care. Chuck slept beside me on the couch and never left. I prayed that I would live to raise my children,” she explained.
Fans of the actor shared messages of support.
“Nobody knows how much time you have left with your loved ones. So go for it, Chuck Norris. Enjoy every moment and make unforgettable memories with your partner. God bless you,” one person wrote.
“My prayers are with you, your wife, and your family. I’m hoping nothing gets in the way. Godspeed to everybody. Never give up. Please let her be okay, I beg God. Your wife is lucky to be with a man of such moral character. Good luck and take care,” another added.
“Chuck, I just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you and your gorgeous wife. I hope everything is going well for her and you! Realizing you are the good man you seem to be is amazing,” a third person commented.
As of Chuck’s health, he hasn’t been experiencing major physical issues. Rumors are, however, that back in 2017, he suffered two heart attacks after he collapsed at a casino hotel.
Gena watched in horror as medics hurriedly restarted Chuck’s heart with a defibrillator during the attack which caused his his heart and breathing to stop for several seconds before he was stabilized.
According to the source who shared the news with Radar, “This would have easily killed most men half his age, but Chuck is still at the peak of physical fitness.”
We wish Chuck and Gena end up winners in the fight for her health.
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