Eric Dane, best known for his role in such popular series as “Euphoria” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” has announced some tragic news. He has recently received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease. This uncontrollable progressive neurodegenerative disease primarily affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Consequently, it leads to the degeneration of motor neurons, which control the body’s voluntary muscle movements.
Earlier this week, Dane shared some pretty thrilling news. He shined a spotlight on an illness that as many as 5 million Americans may be suffering from, often in silence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 30,000 Americans are currently living with ALS. This progressive neurodegenerative disease takes a toll on their day to day lives. While the disease is most common in adults between the ages of 40 and 70, it can occur in those younger as well.
ALS is one of the most physically devastating diseases known today as it relentlessly robs patients of the ability to control muscle movement. Patients suffer these debilitating symptoms—the loss of speech, eating, mobility, and breathing on their own. As the disease advances, people find it increasingly difficult to go about everyday life. In turn, this decline has a profound effect on their quality of life.
Eric Dane’s diagnosis reminds us all just how far we need to go to raise awareness, understanding, and hope for ALS. The disease is indeed lethal, with no cure available at this time. Today, ALS has a deep impact on the people afflicted with the disease and their loved ones. For those affected, it is extremely important that society acknowledges the need for support systems and healing resources.
Organizations such as the ALS Association are essential to helping patients and their families navigate their needs. They provide valuable tools to guide you through the many challenges associated with living with this difficult disease. Through advocacy, community engagement, and research funding, the association aims to enhance the lives of those diagnosed and work toward finding effective treatments.
What Dane’s revelation does is it humanizes the fight against ALS. It serves to call our attention to the broader effects of this terrible disease. By sharing his journey, Curtis hopes to help create more understanding and advocacy for those who are fighting the same fight.