Lupus Awareness Month & “Empower: Fight Like A Girl”

So as I mentioned a few weeks ago, I have a big announcement to share!

May is Lupus Awareness Month – and if you don’t know much about this disease, I hope you’ll take a minute to do some quick research.  It’s called “the cruel mystery” for a good reason.  As the Lupus Foundation of America states on their blog:

“Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years.

In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs… Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues… and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.”

At the present time there is no cure for lupus – but research is ongoing.  This is where you can help – even if you don’t have a PhD in medical research. 

In an effort to help raise awareness – and funds – Pang-Ni Landrum and I have been putting together a book of short stories written for this cause by some very talented writers from the TV world:

• Amy Berg
• Cherry Chevapravatdumrong
• Akela Cooper
• Liz Edwards
• Jane Espenson
• Shalisha Francis & Nadine Knight
• Lisa Klink
• Pang-Ni Landrum
• Lauren LeFranc
• Kam Miller
• Jess Pineda
• Jennifer Quintenz
• Lisa Randolph
• Kay Reindl
• Kira Snyder
• Jeane Wong

(Seriously, am I right?!) All of these writers generously donated their time and talents in honor of Maurissa Tancharoen Whedon, a fabulously talented actress, singer, dancer, television producer/writer and lyricist… who also happens to suffer from lupus.   

Grab a copy of the book, read some fun stories, and help a great cause.  The best part? All proceeds from the sale of these books go directly to the Lupus Foundation of America.

Get your copy here, and thank you!  Let’s make a boatload of cash in the fight against lupus!