Eric Dane gives inspiring update amid ALS diagnosis as he says it's 'imperative' he shares his journey
The actor said speaking out gives him 'a propulsive sort of component to my existence'
Some months after Eric Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis, the actor has explained why he feels it's important to share his story.
The 53-year-old confirmed in April he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which Mayo Clinic explains is a health condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and gets worse over time.
"I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter," the Grey's Anatomy star told People.
The condition affects muscle control and starts small, like twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, or difficulty swallowing or speaking.
Advert
However, that will soon progress to the point where ALS will affect the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe over time.
ALS currently has no cure, with most patients living three to five years after diagnosis, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Following his diagnosis, Dane and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, have spoken openly about how ALS has affected their family.
During a recent online panel with Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya, who do great things promoting ALS awareness, Dane discussed the reality of living with the life-limiting condition.
As per People, he explained: "I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day, I don't think anybody would blame me if I went upstairs in my bedroom, crawled under the sheets, and spent the next two weeks crying.
"And I was a little bit pleasantly surprised when I realized that I wasn't built like that, because I thought for sure that was gonna be me."
The actor went on to say how he feels it's 'imperative' that he continues to document his journey with his fans and everyone across the world.
Dane said that documenting his story provides him with 'a propulsive sort of component to my existence' and added he didn't want it to be 'all about me'.
"You know, obviously, I have a family at home, and they’re the priority. But this is such a big deal to me," Dane noted.
He continued: "I make sure that people are aware of what ALS is and what it's about, and more importantly, what we can do to combat it and improve the landscape, because it's so rocky and littered with hurdles and bureaucracy and all this other nonsense that we're trying to sift through so we can get to a place where we go, start working on solution."
Earlier this year, Dane spoke on Good Morning America, and revealed the first signs that made him concerned for his own health.
He's since returned to TV, with his appearance in Brilliant Minds even receiving a 10-minute standing ovation.
Topics: Eric Dane, Health, Film and TV, Celebrity
Callum Jones