"Unstoppable in Stilletos": Be Inspired by Author Lauren Ruotolo

Have you ever spent time with someone whose positive outlook on life is infectious?  Well that's what it's like when you meet Lauren Ruotolo.  Lauren happens to be a dear friend of mine and she's the author of a new book called "Unstoppable in Stilletos:  A Girl's Guide to Living Tall in a Small World."   Lauren was born with McCune-Albright syndrome, a mysterious and rare genetic disease that researchers say occurs in anywhere between 1 in 100,000 and 1 in 1 million people. Some people with the condition tend to go the wheelchair route, but that was never a road Lauren wanted to travel. Her preferred method of transportation, instead, includes stiletto heels.

Though she stands only four feet two inches tall (in flats which she never wears, of course) and walks with crutches, Lauren has managed to live a normal and incredibly fulfilling life.  She's the ultimate optimist with a fiery spirit to boot.  She's currently the director of entertainment promotions for Hearst Magazines where she is responsible for developing strategic key partnerships with television and cable networks, music labels, and movie studios.  And before that, she worked at TV Guide where we first met and developed a friendship that has lasted more than 10 years.

As a child, Lauren recalls how she suffered several broken bones and was given the grim news by doctors that she may be confined to a wheelchair for life.  But that didn't stop her.  With the support of her parents, Lauren worked with a physical therapist who taught her how to strengthen her limbs so that she could walk with crutches.   

The wonderful thing about Lauren is that she is a dreamer and a do-er.  I remember the day I visited her at the Hearst cafeteria and she told me how she was going to write a book about her life and that she was about to share an essay about her journey in Marie Claire magazine. Incidentally, that essay turned out to be one of the magazine's most popular stories.  One year later, Lauren's dream of writing a book became a reality. "Unstoppable in Stilettos" is an inspiring read that shares Lauren's personal journey from birth to adulthood, offering advice on how to navigate everything from friendships to relationships to career to dealing with toxic people.  

Since the book's release this fall, Lauren says she has been thrilled to hear from individuals with McCune-Albright syndrome who found out about her and are incredibly inspired by all that she's accomplished.  Lauren also hopes to raise awareness and funds for individuals born with the genetic disorder.

Click below to hear Lauren's incredibly uplifting story and then visit the Unstoppable in Stilettos website to learn more.