Waco: Black mold almost killed Shemane Nugent, rocker husband

Black mold almost killed Shemane Nugent and her rocker husband Ted and is one of the reasons the couple made the move to Waco from Michigan.

“One of the reasons we’re here in Waco is about 15 years ago our home (in Michigan) that was featured on MTV cribs was contaminated with black mold,” Nugent said.

“I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs if my life depended on it.”

Nugent, who has been a fitness instructor since 1980, had just recently been named Detroit’s Most Physical Female when she began to suffer debilitating migraines and chronic fatigue.

Some of her symptoms mimicked heart disease as she struggled to breathe and felt like an elephant was on her chest.

And husband Ted exhibited the same symptoms.

Soon after, the Nugents learned that toxic mold was growing in between the walls of their home was circulating in the air.

A toxicologist determined that the Nugents had four types of mold in their bloodstreams, leaving the couple with no choice except to abandon their beloved 5,000-square foot lakeside home.

They then made the cross-country move to Central Texas, not only because they already had friends in the area, but also because they would be near the doctors in Dallas who were treating them.

“We lost our home. Ted lost his guitar memorabilia, my son's baby pictures but most importantly we lost our health,” Nugent said.

“So how can you take something like that and make it a good message?”

Nugent was the keynote speaker Friday at the American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women luncheon in Waco.

Shemane shared the story of her recovery from the effects of black mold to encourage women to recognize the warning signs of their number one killer, heart disease.

“Shemane authentically and passionately spoke about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and knowing your numbers with regard to cholesterol, blood pressure blood sugar and BMI,” said event chair Loren Schwartz.

Nugent often travels the world, supporting her famous rocker husband, but on Friday Ted Nugent sat among the crowd of women and said he couldn’t be more proud of his wife and the community they’ve chosen to call home.

“Quality of life comes from quality of health and quality choices,” he said.

“And we’re surrounded by people who care about each other."

“Whenever an American or fellow man needs help, the community always responds. So we’re proud to be a part of that,” he said.