'L Word' Stars Leisha Hailey & Erin Daniels Inspire Million Dollar Gift

The $1 million dollar donation will be used to establish The Erin Daniels and Leisha Hailey Fund for Breast Cancer. In addition to making this $1 million dollar donation, the anonymous donor intends to match dollar for dollar every donation made to the fund. The entire fund will be used to advance the Foundation's innovative research program that aims to end breast cancer in our lifetime.

"There are very few times in a woman's life where she feels she's been lucky enough to be part of something that will change lives," says Daniels. "This is one of those times. I am overwhelmed that my portrayal of Dana's story has inspired such an act of kindness and generosity, and elated to be a part of it. I am thankful that so many women will be given hope due to Dr. Love's program."

"It is an honor that our breast cancer story line touched someone in such a tremendous way that she so generously gave to such a tragic illness," says Hailey, who plays Alice, one of the shows most significant
and best loved characters. "I am awed by her gesture and it inspires me to act with my conscience and give of myself."

Dr. Susan Love guest-starred on "The L Word" after Dana was diagnosed with breast cancer. The anonymous donor, who had met Dr. Love in Boston in the mid-1980s, was thrilled to see Dr. Love on the show. But what really intrigued her, she says, was the conversation Dr. Love had with Dana and Alice about her desire to find a way to eradicate breast cells that were just thinking about becoming cancer before they could do any harm.

"After I was on the show, the donor visited our website and began to educate herself about the intraductal research we are doing," said Dr. Love. "In our work, she saw the potential for a cure, and she recognized the difference a significant donation could make. We're honored that she has decided to make this donation and to establish this fund. It will make research we could only dream of doing over the next few years a reality."

The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation is dedicated to preventing and eradicating breast cancer and improving the quality of women's health through innovative research, education, and advocacy. Dr. Love, the Foundation's president, is known worldwide as one of the founding mothers of the breast cancer advocacy movement. The Foundation focuses its efforts on the intraductal approach because it believes that to eradicate breast cancer we need to begin where breast cancer begins-inside the breast ducts.

When Erin Daniels' character, Dana, was diagnosed with breast cancer she was a 32-year-old tennis star. Her storyline allowed viewers to gain insight into the lives of the many "Danas" who, in real life, have heard the words "You have breast cancer."

"I was honored to tell Dana's story," says Daniels, "and despite her sad and tragic end, she was no less inspiring. As Dana, I heard many stories we were not able to tell. I spoke with many women who fight breast cancer every day, and who survive with fierce determination, courage, hope, grace, and love. These women inspire me. And for that opportunity, I am thankful."

Currently, more than 250,000 women 40 and under in the U.S. are living with breast cancer and more than 11,100 young women are diagnosed with the disease each year. Although most of these women will survive their breast cancer diagnosis, breast cancer remains the leading cause of death in women ages 15 to 54.

While many fans of "The L Word" were impressed that the show decided to tackle such a tough topic as breast cancer, some were angered by the storyline that resulted in Dana's death. On blogs and websites, many discussed their frustration that the show chose to have a character die from breast cancer rather than illustrate how many women survive-and thrive-after a breast cancer diagnosis. Others grieved not only for Dana, but for Alice, who had lost her best-friend and former lover. Many fans had also been rooting for the two to get back together, and with Dana's death that dream died as well.

Now, the many fans who were moved by Dana's death and by the depth of the friendship that existed on camera between Dana and Alice, and still exists off camera between Erin and Leisha, can follow in this anonymous donor's footsteps and make a donation that will help ensure that no one's best friend or lover-in real life or on TV-will ever die from breast cancer.

To make a donation to The Erin Daniels and Leisha Hailey Fund for breast cancer or to learn more about the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, visit www.dslrf.org.