"Fall Down, Laughing: How Squiggy Caught Multiple Sclerosis and Didn't Tell Nobody" (Hardcover)




Book Description
In the summer of 1999, David Lander revealed publicly that he suffers from multiple sclerosis-a secret he'd kept for fifteen years even while living and working in Hollywood's celebrity fishbowl. Diagnosed with the illness after filming the last episode of Laverne and Shirley, Lander continued to develop his film and television career while hiding his illness. His success was an astonishing testament to his physical and emotional strength and his determination to prove that those with M.S. can still enjoy fulfilling and challenging lives.

Fall Down, Laughing is the humorous and poignant story of Lander's courageous struggle with multiple sclerosis. Over the years, Lander tried everything to improve his condition: exercise programs, alternative medicine, support groups, the latest crop of designer drugs. Weaving his experiences against a backdrop of entertaining celebrity anecdotes, Lander offers a message of affirmation that will provide information and hope to millions of M.S. sufferers, their friends and caregivers.

About the Author
Best known for his portrayal of the character "Squiggy" on the sitcom Laverne and Shirley (1976-1983), David Lander has appeared in feature films including Who Framed Roger Rabbit, A League of Their Own, and A Bug's Life. He has guest-starred on more than thirty television shows, including Mad About You, Twin Peaks, and Pacific Blue. A lifelong baseball fan, he is a scout for the Anaheim Angels and part owner of the Portland Beavers, a Minor League ballclub. In addition to his active film and television career, Lander is the Goodwill Ambassador for the National M.S. Society.