Lupus Foundation of America Announces Dorothy Toran as Newest National Ambassador

The Lupus Foundation of America today announced Dorothy Toran as its newest National Ambassador. After losing her younger sister Weade Williams-Bridges to lupus, Dorothy committed herself to honoring her sister’s legacy by using her voice and platform as a television producer to increase public understanding and support for people affected by this devastating disease.

Weade, who passed away in September of 2016 at the age of 33 due to complications from Lupus Nephritis (kidney disease), spent nearly her entire life battling various autoimmune diseases.

“Every day our family struggles to find peace, purpose and understanding in the inexplicable loss of Weade,” said Dorothy.

“I am committing my voice and influence to raise awareness and advocate for better treatment options and organ donation programs, as well as more federal spending for aggressive lupus research. More must be done to find a cure and finally bring an end to lupus. Lupus will not win!”

In her role as a Lupus Foundation of America National Ambassador, Dorothy will participate in speaking engagements, media interviews, panel discussions and other awareness activities as part of her new mission to ensure lupus will not win.

Dorothy currently serves as The Executive Charge of Production at Sirens Media, a division of ITV America and one of the largest content creators of broadcast television in the world. Under her leadership, major reality television franchises such as Bravo's “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” have thrived.

In addition to her illustrious career in television, Dorothy is a wife and the proud mother of two daughters. She is most fulfilled by her family, and the happiness that she feels in loving them so deeply. There is also a title of which Dorothy is especially proud, humbled and heartbroken to hold. And that is of being a big sister to her younger sister, Weade.