Publicist Nanci Ryder dead at 67 from ALS after career repping stars like Renee Zellweger

BWR Public Relations co-founder and legendary Hollywood publicist Nanci Ryder passed away on Thursday afternoon after a six-year battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Rest in peace: BWR Public Relations co-founder and legendary Hollywood publicist Nanci Ryder passed away on Thursday afternoon after a six-year battle with ALS; seen here in 2016 Throughout a career that spanned over three decades, Ryder represented everyone from Renée Zellweger, Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Lopez to Courteney Cox, Sarah Jessica Parker and Leonardo DiCaprio. In great company: Ryder was diagnosed with ALS in 2014, and later was the inspiration for Team Nanci, the goal of which was to find a cure for the debilitating neurological disease; Nanci seen here in 2015 with Courteney Cox, Reese Witherspoon and Renee Zellweger Team Nanci consisted of close friends and heavy-hitting industry players, whose regular events collectively contributed well over $800,000 to ALS Association Golden West Chapter. For a great cause: Team Nanci consisted of close friends and heavy-hitting industry players; seen here in 2016 with Jennifer Garner Yearly tradition: The group's annual meets collectively contributed well over $800,000 to ALS Association Golden West Chapter; seen in 2017 After relocating from her hometown of Great Neck, Long Island in New York to LA in 1979, Ryder worked as a talent agent for three years before segueing to publicity.