Lupus in Hollywood

Lauren Shuler Donner is an A-list producer committed to end a very protected secret; a very protected secret of a celebrity that experiences a chronic illness from making publicly known could cost a job.
As any regular job, any individual has to keep a chronic illness a secret not to get rejected by a possible employer.

Lauren Shuler Donner was diagnosed with Lupus, more than 20 years ago. She produced most popular films such as "Pretty In Pink," "St. Elmo's Fire," "Dave," and the list goes on.

Lauren Shuler Donner produced outstanding movies while battling Lupus as well as breast cancer. She could not tell anybody about her battles.

"I was afraid no one would hire me, and I also felt it was deeply personal."

Last year, Lauren and her husband were honored at Lupus LA's 2008 Orange Ball for their efforts. Lauren Donner became outspoken for Lupus Awareness and treatment. She received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

"I wanted to tell people you can live a full life, even if you're not feeling well," "You can learn how to achieve on the same level as someone who is not handicapped by their health," said Lauren.

"When I was in my 20s, I was always sick," "I was always feeling exhausted. I had a fever all the time, and no one could diagnose me."

Lauren learned to meditate, stay on her treatment, control her stress level and eat right. She is one of the most successful and known producers in Hollywood. Lauren may be able to change the industry's attitude.

"I want to show people that you can still live a life. You don't have to be defeated by illness," said Donner.

Celebrities that Have Lupus:

Seal - Musician, A childhood battle with Discoid Lupus left him with facial scars and hair loss
Mercedes Yvette - Finalist on the second season of America's Next Top Model. She has also made a few other TV appearances and is now a spokesperson for the LFA.
Pietra Thornton - Former wife of Billy Bob Thornton and former Playboy model has SLE.
Tim Raines - Baseball player for the Montreal Expos and the Chicago White Sox, Tim was diagnosed with Lupus in 1999.
Sophie Howard - British glamour model. She was diagnosed with SLE.
Mary Norton - Luxury shoe and handbag designer. She does work with Lupus LA and has Lupus.

Celebrities that contribute to Lupus Cause:

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith
Tomiko Fraser
Daniel Radcliffe
Sarah Chalke - (Scrubs) she starred in a PSA for the Lupus Foundation of America in 2008.
Donald Faison - Actor best known for role as Dr. Christopher Turk on (Scrubs), he starred in a PSA for the Lupus Foundation of America in 2008.
Courtney Cox Arquette -
Jennifer Aniston

For more information on the complete list of celebrities with Lupus and celebrities that fight against Lupus cause. Please visit following links:
http://www.cure4lupus.org/awareness/celebrities.htm
http://chronicchicktalk.com/2008/09/09/famous-people-with-lupus/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauren_Shuler_Donner
http://www.lupusla.org/news/press/080506.php

Every 30 minutes, someone is diagnosed with Lupus; And most of them will have suffered four or more years before receiving the proper diagnosis.
Lupus awareness can help people seek appropriate medical evaluation, and recognize its symptoms. "Could I Have Lupus? " so they can receive a timely diagnosis.
You can help reduce the distress by joining the effort to raise awareness and understanding about Lupus.

Please visit the following links to get more information and how to get involved.
http://www.lupusla.org/ (if you live in LA)
http://www.lupus.org/newsite/index.html
http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_magazinehome.aspx (Lupus Magazine is a great magazine!)
http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_donatespecial.aspx?articleid=197&zoneid=49

Please try to attend Walk for Lupus event in your town.