The Queen of making things happen, Cherilyn Sarkisian La Pierre (1946-) along with country singing sensation LeAnn Rimes (1982-) once had more than music in common.

Rimes, known as "the little girl with the big voice," was diagnosed with the Epstein-Barr Virus, EBV, which echoed Cher's years of struggling with this debilitating disease of the immune system.

EBV causes chronic fatigue syndrome, that flu-like "yuppie disease" marked with swollen glands, depression, headaches, and sleep disturbances. Like infectious mononucleosis, EBV is contagious and has no known cure. While not life-threatening, a person infected will retain the virus for life.

The mysterious malady sidelined Cher, who said she was unable to "summon the energy to even go out of my house. I turned down work because I had no strength." 

According to the National Center for Infectious Diseases, EBV infects as many as 95% of adults between 35 and 40 years of age. While most develop natural immunity, some folks are acutely sensitive to the virus which can cause chronic, destructive symptoms.

Not ready to quit, Cher fought back, exploring fitness and vitamin options, resting, then coming back with remarkable vengeance with 1998's Believe. "I've never compromised who I am -- not ever. If I've gotten anywhere in my life it's been on my own merits." 

One "gift" of her illness was that Cher became "fast friends" with Rimes, who like many people, initially ignored her symptoms and continued to record despite her illness.

Both singers are a tribute to strength, and attitude. As actress Patricia Neal once said, "A strong positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug."

You can make happen whatever you want.