Health
Rebecca Gayheart Shares Insight on Eric Dane’s ALS Journey
Health Points
- ALS is a progressive disease affecting nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and loss of bodily functions.
- Rebecca Gayheart emphasizes the importance of support, family togetherness, and living in the moment following Eric Dane’s diagnosis.
- Maintaining connection and supporting loved ones can make a significant impact when facing chronic illness.
Rebecca Gayheart has opened up about when her ex-husband, Eric Dane, first started noticing symptoms before his ALS diagnosis, recalling how he struggled with simple tasks at family meals. She explains that his initial concerns led to specialist visits and a mix of emotions as the seriousness of his condition unfolded.
“When we would have a meal with the kids, he’d say things like, ‘Something’s wrong with my hand,’” Gayheart told The Cut.
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs muscle control and has no cure. Gayheart describes how the lack of a clear road map with ALS adds to the uncertainty and stress for families affected by the disease.
“The problem with this diagnosis is that there really isn’t a road map,” she said. “Someone can tell you, ‘OK, this is what you have, and you’re having some weakness in your right arm,’ but what’s to come? They can’t really lay that out for you very well; instead, they’re like, ‘We’ll see you in three months.’”
Despite the challenges, Dane, known for roles on “Euphoria” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” continues acting.
“I’m going to ride this till the wheels fall off,” he told E! News in June.
Support from friends, family, and the wider community has been overwhelming but heartening, according to Gayheart.
“When Eric went public, so many people reached out to him, and to me, to express their support,” she said. “His friends, family, co-workers really showed up. It was so loving and kind and generous that people wanted to share their resources and their contacts and their experiences. But I’m not gonna lie, it was a little overwhelming.”
Though Gayheart and Dane are separated, she shares their continuing commitment as co-parents and family.
“Our love may not be romantic, but it’s a familial love,” she said.
“Eric knows that I am always going to want the best for him. That I’m going to do my best to do right by him. And I know he would do the same for me. So whatever I can do or however I can show up to make this journey better for him or easier for him, I want to do that. And I want to model that for my girls: That’s what you do. That’s the right thing to do.”
Now, with the help of nurses and more family time together, Gayheart is dedicated to making the most of each day.
“We wanna take advantage of the time that he has right now. He made it very clear that he wants to spend time with his family as much as possible, and I am committed to facilitating that,” she said.
This experience has shifted her perspective on daily life and connection with others.
“Eric’s diagnosis has changed my approach to everything,” she continued. “Even with strangers, sometimes I’ll be standing on line to get my coffee and I’ll just look at them and go, I wonder what they’re going through. Because I know everyone is going through something.”
Embracing the present has become a guiding principle for Gayheart and her family.
“I say this a lot: This is not the dress rehearsal. Whatever you’re doing today, that is your life. Eric getting the ALS diagnosis has brought that to the forefront of my mind,” she said. “So live for today. Wear the shoes, wear the nice bag, don’t keep it in the dust bag. Put the nice sheets on your bed, like, what are we waiting for?”
If you or a loved one are facing a life-changing diagnosis, prioritizing meaningful time together and daily joys can provide comfort and connection during challenging times.
