Laura Dern honors her mother's fight against pulmonary fibrosis with a new awareness campaign

Actress Laura Dern is continuing her late mother's legacy by raising awareness about pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Through the Beyond the Scars campaign, launched by Boehringer Ingelheim, she aims to help people recognise early signs of the disease. Dern describes the work as deeply rewarding, honouring her mother's mission to improve lung health education.

Diane Ladd, a celebrated actor, was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2018. Initially, doctors misdiagnosed her with asthma and an esophageal issue, delaying proper treatment. Once correctly identified, her life was extended through medication, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

For the last seven years of her life, Ladd and her daughter, Laura Dern, advocated together for lung health awareness. Ladd was determined to share her experience so others could avoid the same diagnostic delays. Despite being given only months to live at first, she lived until November 2025, reaching the age of 89.

The pair also co-wrote a memoir, Honey, Baby, Mine, detailing Ladd's journey with IPF. The book highlighted the importance of early detection, which can prevent or slow severe symptoms like chronic cough and worsening breathlessness.

The Beyond the Scars campaign, supported by Dern, now promotes early diagnosis through education, access to antifibrotic drugs, and multidisciplinary care. It also stresses the need for pulmonary rehab and mental health support to improve patients' quality of life. Dern's involvement in the campaign ensures her mother's advocacy lives on. The initiative provides resources to help patients and families recognise IPF symptoms sooner. With timely treatment, many can manage the disease more effectively and maintain a better quality of life.