Laura Dern Laura Dern has followed through on a promise she made to her mother, Diane Ladd, to raise awareness about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In 2018, Ladd was diagnosed with the terminal lung disease and given only three to six months to live. She survived for over seven years before passing away at home in November 2025.
At a Glance
- Laura Dern leads the new “Beyond the Scars” campaign with Boehringer Ingelheim.
- Ladd’s diagnosis in 2018 was mis-diagnosed as pneumonia before a chest X-ray revealed IPF.
- The campaign aims to educate families on the signs, treatment options, and emotional journey of ILD.
- Why it matters: It turns a personal loss into a public resource for those facing a similar hidden disease.
A Promise Fulfilled
In a conversation with News Of Los Angeles, Dern explained that her mother’s final wish was to “share everything” so that no other family would endure “naively be in pain without answers.” “She never wanted anyone to have to naively be in pain without answers. Just too much time was spent like that for both of us,” she said.
Dern’s vow began as a demand, she laughed, “We’re talking about Diane Ladd! It was a demand.” She added that she felt privileged to honor her legacy and that the partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim was a way to “make a difference.”
Understanding Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
IPF is a progressive interstitial lung disease that causes irreversible scarring of the lungs. It is often confused with other conditions, leading to delayed diagnoses. Dern described the diagnostic journey: “People dealing with shortness of breath and coughing … [doctors] start to want to categorize it in rather simple ways, including ending up in the hospital a couple of times with pneumonia – until finally, with a chest X-ray and seeing literally like spiderwebs in her lungs, they were able to diagnose her with IPF.”
Because of the lack of a known cause, many patients receive no clear treatment path. Ladd’s case highlighted the need for better education among both patients and healthcare providers.
Beyond the Scars Campaign
On January 28, Dern revealed the campaign’s name and mission. “I made a promise to my mom that I would continue to honor her legacy, and her commitment and service to teaching and advocating for other families going through an ILD,” she told News Of Los Angeles. The campaign’s goals include:
- Education: Share the early signs of IPF and how to seek proper testing.
- Support: Provide resources for caregivers and patients.
- Advocacy: Encourage research funding and policy changes.
The partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim brings scientific credibility and a platform to reach a broad audience.
Personal Reflections and Legacy
Dern’s caregiving experience shaped her understanding of the disease’s impact. She said, “I have to admit, as a caregiver, I’d love to make it sound like I was such a perfect champion for her, but at the beginning, I think I was so traumatized by this diagnosis that I was ready to accept the: ‘Be delicate with your mother. There’s nothing, really, you can do. She has a few months to live.'”
She also recalled the small but powerful moments of walking with Ladd: “We started at a couple of minutes and I had to distract her so she wouldn’t yell at me,” Dern explained. Those walks evolved into longer sessions, allowing deeper conversations and a stronger bond.
Ladd’s decision to share her story publicly surprised Dern. “I was really touched by that,” she said. “My mom is a public figure. She’s very private,” Dern added, reflecting on the dignity she maintained during her illness.
The campaign’s title, Beyond the Scars, reflects the lasting impact of the disease on lungs and lives. Ladd’s memoir Honey, Baby, Mine (2023) also documents their shared journey and the importance of advocacy.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Diane Ladd diagnosed with IPF, given 3-6 months to live |
| 2018-2025 | Ladd lives for over seven years, receiving treatment and support |
| 2023 | Publication of Honey, Baby, Mine memoir |
| Jan 28 2024 | Launch of Beyond the Scars campaign with Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Nov 2025 | Ladd passes away at home with Dern by her side |
Key Takeaways
- Ladd’s survival beyond the initial prognosis highlights the importance of early diagnosis.
- The Beyond the Scars campaign transforms personal experience into public education.
- Dern’s partnership with a pharmaceutical company provides resources and visibility for IPF patients.
- The story underscores the emotional toll on caregivers and the value of sharing knowledge.
Conclusion
Laura Dern’s dedication to her mother’s promise demonstrates how personal loss can become a catalyst for change. By launching Beyond the Scars, she offers hope, information, and solidarity to those facing the hidden challenges of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
