We are proud to be part of an impactful collaboration with GSK and Lifetime on the upcoming original movie Pretty Hurts. This initiative is more than just compelling storytelling—it’s a vital opportunity to raise awareness about the devastating effects of meningococcal disease and the life-saving importance of vaccination.
A Cause Close to Home
Activists and advocates Jamie Schanbaum, Patsy Schanbaum, and John Grimes were honored to participate in this deeply meaningful campaign. Their personal experiences and commitment to public health added a powerful layer of authenticity to the project. The group also had the privilege of attending the movie premiere—an emotional and inspiring evening dedicated to informing and protecting communities across the country.
Celebrity Voices Join the Mission
Recognizing the critical importance of connecting with parents, Pretty Hurts brings together more than just impactful storytelling—it’s supported by influential voices. Actresses Alyson Hannigan and Sarah Michelle Gellar, both mothers of teenagers, have joined the campaign to share this important message. Their advocacy underscores the urgent need for families to have conversations about meningitis B and the protection vaccination offers.
A Story That Could Save Lives
Set to premiere on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT, Pretty Hurts is a GSK-sponsored Lifetime original movie starring Haylie Duff as Julie, a working mother whose daughter, Lauren, enters a beauty pageant in hopes of winning a scholarship. But the story takes a heart-wrenching turn when meningococcal disease strikes close to home, reinforcing how quickly this illness can affect any family—and how vital it is to be prepared through vaccination.
The emotional narrative emphasizes not only the health risks of meningitis B but also the strength and resilience of those affected. It’s a call to action for families to ask their doctors about the MenB vaccine and ensure their teens and young adults are protected.
Amplifying the Message Through the Ask2BSure Campaign
Pretty Hurts is part of GSK’s Ask2BSure campaign, which empowers parents to talk with healthcare providers about meningococcal disease and to understand that two different types of vaccines may be needed to help protect against all five vaccine-preventable groups (A, B, C, W, and Y). The campaign specifically targets parents of teens and young adults aged 16–23, who are at increased risk for meningitis B.
Starting June 29, Pretty Hurts will also be available to stream on MyLifetime.com, ensuring this crucial message continues to reach more families across the nation.
