Cause Celeb: The A-List Races to Support Nanci Ryder

Photo Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Nanci Ryder isn’t just a talent publicist to her A-list clients: she’s a friend. So when the BWR co-founder was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease—a neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord causing those diagnosed to lose their ability to move, speak, swallow and eventually the ability to breathe, while all five senses continue to function normally—her power would do literally anything to help.

On Oct. 18, Justine Bateman, Courteney Cox, Angie Harmon, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Bryan Lourd, Reese Witherspoon, Lawrence Zarian, Renee Zellweger, Daphne Zuniga and more came out to support Team Nanci at the annual LA County Walk to Defeat ALS at Exposition Park in Los Angeles.  Additional “Walk to Defeat ALS” attendees Miley Cyrus, Amy Paffrath and Mari Winsor cheered on the team from the sidelines.

After being diagnosed with ALS last year, Nanci bravely decided to share her battle with the public to raise awareness and support for the ALS community. She and her many friends participated in the 13th Annual LA County Walk to Defeat ALS®, hosted by the ALS Association Golden West Chapter, as “Team Nanci” in custom Vera Wang Collection T-Shirts designed and donated by Vera Wang.  The 1.6 mile walk was open to the public, and all funds raised support the mission-critical priorities of The ALS Association Golden West Chapter in care services, public policy, and research.

The mission of The ALS Association is to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.  The Golden West Chapter serves people with ALS and their families in 31 counties throughout California and in the state of Hawaii.

Photo Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images