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Eric Dane issues major ALS battle update as he promises fans ‘I’m fighting as much as I can’

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Eric Dane has shared significant news about his ongoing struggle against the progressive neurodegenerative disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

52-year-old ex-cast member of Grey’s Anatomy explained to Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America that he is doing all he can to battle what’s happening, acknowledging there are many aspects beyond his power.

At present, Eric is using medication to help manage his symptoms at a slower pace, and he’s also part of an innovative scientific experiment.

Dane emphasized, “If doctors said it would help, I’d travel to Germany and consume a rattlesnake’s head. I’m willing to take the risk.

At the SAG Awards, the winner was accompanied by his neurologist, Dr. Merit Cudkowicz. She expressed: ‘Receiving such a diagnosis can be tough, but I urge [patients] not to lose hope. I always want people to understand that there’s more to do than just giving up because there are plenty of actions to take.’

Eric observed, “From my encounter with Merit, I sensed something different – a glimmer of hope that wasn’t present in the interactions I had with other medical professionals. Previously, it seemed like they were merely observing my deterioration, which isn’t particularly helpful.

There are currently 5K people diagnosed with ALS annually, according to the CDC.

‘But those numbers are going up moderately fast,’ the Chief of Neurology at Mass General warned.

By around 2040, it is estimated that the global population living with ALS could potentially rise by approximately 40%.

Dr. Cudkowicz mentioned several potential factors contributing to ALS risk, such as exposure to plastics, harmful bacteria found in lakes, sports-related head injuries, pesticides, and military service. There are likely numerous additional factors that remain unknown.

The Harvard Medical School professor emphasized that there are individuals worldwide who are actively engaged in this effort,” or simply, “People around the globe are involved in this project, as the Harvard Medical School professor emphasized.

What truly excites me is the potential of Artificial Intelligence and advanced imaging tech to categorize individuals more precisely. I believe we might see this breakthrough within the next year or so, possibly even sooner.

In 2014, the Ice Bucket Challenge, which went viral, managed to gather around $200 million towards ALS research within the United States. Notably, these funds were rapidly distributed.

With a bright smile, Eric expressed his optimism, saying, “I’m quite certain there’s more to my tale than this chapter. I’ve shown myself to be quite tenacious.

‘I just don’t feel, like in my heart, [that] this is the end of me.’

A year back, I found myself grappling with a strange weakness in my right hand, attributing it to excessive texting or simple tiredness. But as the days turned into weeks, and the symptoms persisted, I was eventually directed by a hand specialist to consult a neurologist.

The individual born in San Francisco, often referred to as a silver fox, disclosed on Monday that they have full functionality in one arm and are fully functioning on their left side. Unfortunately, their right side, which is their dominant side, has become completely non-functional.

It seems that my left arm is giving out. In a few months, I fear I might also lose the use of my left hand. This thought is quite unsettling. I find myself growing concerned about my leg health as well.

Fortunately, Eric is blessed with the affection and backing from his spouse, Rebecca Gayheart, who withdrew her divorce request in March after seven years apart. Additionally, he has the company of their 15-year-old daughter, Billie, and 13-year-old daughter, Georgia.

‘I talk to her every day,’ Dane emotionally said of the 53-year-old Jawbreaker alum.

“Over time, we’ve grown closer as friends and as parents. She’s not only my biggest advocate but also my strongest backer. In times of need, I rely on her.

Generally, individuals diagnosed with ALS can expect to live between two to five years after the onset of symptoms. However, treatments approved by the FDA and both physical and speech therapy sessions may help delay the advancement of this condition.

Viewers will soon see the Bad Boys: Ride or Die actor playing Special Agent Nathan Blythe in Derek Haas’ fresh 13-episode crime series titled Countdown. This series is set to launch on Amazon Prime Video starting from June 25.

Starting on April 14th, Eric resumed playing the character Cal Jacobs, a secretive real estate agent, in the third season of the acclaimed TV series “Euphoria,” which is created and led by Zendaya as Rue Bennett.

In the third season of Sam Levinson’s gripping drama, fresh faces including Sharon Stone, Rosalía, Marshawn Lynch, and Kadeem Hardison will be joining the cast.

However, it was during this period, from 2006 to 2012, that Dane found his major opportunity playing the role of Mark ‘McSteamy’ Sloan, a plastic surgeon, in the ABC hospital series Grey’s Anatomy.

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2025-06-17 19:36

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