Eric Dane, 52, the star of shows like Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, has been diagnosed with ALS, per People. Also called Lou Gehrig's Disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, it is a serious, progressive, eventually fatal condition of the nervous system that affects the muscles.
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"I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter," Dane said. His family includes wife Rebecca Gayheart and their children, Georgia Geraldine, who is 13, and Billie Beatrice, 15.
Many notable public figures have had the disease, such as Roberta Flack, Stephen Hawking, and Joe Bonsall.
Eric Dane Will Keep Acting
Dane plans to continue acting. He added, "I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time." The third season of Euphoria starts production on April 14.
Per the outlet via the MDA, "There's no cure for ALS, and people usually live three to five years after diagnosis, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. However, some patients can live decades."
What Is ALS?
According to mayoclinic.org, "ALS causes loss of muscle control. The disease gets worse over time." What causes it is unclear. It usually begins with muscle weakness in an extremity and twitching. Slurring words when talking and swallowing difficulties are other signs of ALS. "Eventually ALS affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. There is no cure for this fatal disease."
There are many typical symptoms. Alterations in behavior, muscle weakness, problems performing ordinary tasks, twitching, and muscle cramps are some characteristic signs.
Why ALS Is Called Lou Gehrig's Disease
The fabled New York Yankees slugger, nicknamed "The Iron Horse," died in 1941. Per the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, he was an uncommon sports icon. "...Gehrig's dignity, courage, perseverance, and gratitude—during times of fame and times of personal tragedy—are what set him apart as an American hero." The way he behaved, even when confronted by insuperable odds against him off the field, was exemplary. Gehrig is still revered for his remarkable demeanor despite a mortal, life-changing diagnosis.
