Multiple Sclerosis Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Squiggy Speaks Out on Living With MS

Summary & Participants

David Lander best known as "Squiggy" from the classic comedy Laverne and Shirley, is back in the spot light once again. But this time he's playing himself--and he's not looking for laughs. In 1999, David went public with his diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, a condition he had managed to keep secret for years. Now he's on a mission to educate people about MS, and to help those suffering from the disease realize they're not alone.

Medically Reviewed On: January 04, 2006

Webcast Transcript

ANNOUNCER: It was the wacky hijinks of Squiggy that helped launch the career of actor David Lander. Now David's back in the public spotlight for the most important role of his life, but this time he's not playing for laughs and the story he's telling is his own.

DAVID LANDER: In May of 1984, I was diagnosed and the doctor made it clear to me that the chances were good that I would never walk again.

ANNOUNCER: Shortly following his seven years on the hit sitcom, Laverne & Shirley, Squiggy started experiencing strange symptoms that would eventually be diagnosed as multiple sclerosis.

DAVID LANDER: Sometimes my legs would just buckle like that and I didn't understand why. Then I would drop things and, you know, everybody's been in a party, maybe, with "Ho-ho-ho." they're drinking a glass of wine or something and it slips out of their hands--, that can happen. But it was happening like two or three times in the course of a night and I went "Mmmmm, something's wrong here."

FREDERICK MUNSCHAUER, MD: When David complains that his legs buckle or that he can't hold a glass, and that's a social embarrassment, that really is a common symptom with MS. I mean we all have that from time to time, but multiple sclerosis is a disease that interferes with your strength, with your coordination, with your ability to perceive where your hands or arms are. And that can lead to clumsiness, coordination, weakness, difficulty with vision, a whole host of symptoms. It's very difficult to say whether any one symptom really means multiple sclerosis. You really have to consult with your physician to determine it.

ANNOUNCER: Fearing that his disease could cost him roles in the competitive world of show business, Lander decided to keep his diagnosis to himself.

DAVID LANDER: When I was first diagnosed, I spoke to my wife about the fact that I would prefer if we didn't tell anybody. And for about 15 years we, when I say we I mean myself, my wife and my daughter, kept it pretty much to ourselves; we weren't boasting to anyone that I has MS. And there were a few select people who would know and, over time, you're going to let people in on the circle a little bit more, because there was 15 years where I really didn't tell anyone. But then there were people who would seep through, where you just say, "Well, I might as well tell you."

FREDERICK MUNSCHAUER, MD: In David's case, he was concerned that if people knew he had multiple sclerosis, they might not offer him jobs. He might be limited in his ability to earn a living for his family. But people should recognize that there is no shame in having multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a disease where many people live very full, incredibly productive lives.

ANNOUNCER: David was able to keep working while he had the disease, but it was only after many years of silence that he decided he could share his struggle with the world.

DAVID LANDER [AS SQUIGGY]: About 15 years ago, I had caught the dreaded disease of multiple sclerosis.

ANNOUNCER: With television commercials, public appearances and a book that chronicles his life with the disease, the actor has gone from silent sufferer to outspoken advocate, talking to people across the country about his personal experiences with MS and encouraging others coping with the disease to seek treatment.

DAVID LANDER: What's great is you can start on either Avonex or Betaseron or Copaxone and do something for yourself. Every time I give myself a shot of Avonex once a week, I go "Wow, look what I did for me."

FREDERICK MUNSCHAUER, MD: There are two classes of medications that have been approved by the Food & Drug Administration. The first are the interferons which are Avonex, Betaseron and Rebif, and a second class of medications called Copaxone. These medications are effective in treating multiple sclerosis.

DAVID LANDERS: You know, and we always talk about "Fight MS." that's a great slogan. But now we have weapons to fight 'em, and I think that's the important thing. Whether it be the way I do with Avonex or whether you use Betaseron or Rebif or Copaxone, it doesn't matter. Even if you want bee stings, I don't know, but the fact is to empower yourself. Don't just sit there saying "I'm waiting for the pill." "I'm waiting for the cure." or any of those things. There are ways to live with this disease and that's the important thing.

FREDERICK MUNSCHAUER, MD: In the United States, 45 percent of all people with relapsing multiple sclerosis are not on any therapy. And I think that represents a major challenge. If you have multiple sclerosis, or if you know someone who has multiple sclerosis, then that person should be on treatment. What I really admire about David's attitude is that he rules the disease and he's not letting the disease rule him. That power of positive thinking I'm sure is responsible for why he's done so well, and will continue to do so well.