Renee became an advocate for the fight against ALS after her friend and publicist Nanci Ryder was diagnosed with the illness. The illness is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease that is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Renee was with Nanci when she was diagnosed and she has stood behind her friend every step of the way. Renee and other celebrities have put on Team Nanci t-shirts and gone out and raised funds to help in the fight against this horrible disease. Nanci has spoken out about Renee’s support and friendship, “We bonded right away. I had 10 great years of being her friend and publicist. Then I got breast cancer, [and] she was beyond supportive. Then I got ALS, [and] she was beyond supportive. She cried with me and laughed with me. She is intelligent, with a wicked sense of humor and a great friend. I love her.” Renee even did the ice bucket challenge to help raise awareness.

Stand Up 2 Cancer
standuptocancer.org 

In 1996 Renee found two lumps in her breast, and while they ended up being benign, the experience greatly impacted her. Renee has been involved in the Stand Up to Cancer Foundation for over 10 years. She participates in thier annual telethon and in 2009 she participated in a PSA for the foundation.