Eric Dane ‘fighting’ amid ALS diagnosis, says one arm no longer functioning
Eric Dane. Image: YouTube/Good Morning America
An emotional Eric Dane, popularly known for starring in the hit American drama series “Grey’s Anatomy,” opened up about his ALS diagnosis and how it has already left one of his arms unable to function.
According to Mayo Clinic, ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is “a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.” The disease, which causes loss of muscle control, has no cure and gets worse over time.
Dane, who first revealed his condition last April, recalled how he first noticed symptoms over a year ago, in an interview on “Good Morning America” on Monday, June 16.
“I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand. I didn’t really think anything of it at the time,” he said. “I thought maybe I’d been texting too much or my hand was fatigued, but a few weeks later I noticed it got a little worse.”
The American actor, 52, then went to a hand specialist who referred him to another hand specialist. He later opted to get checked by a neurologist, but was again sent to another neurologist.
“I will never forget those three letters,” Dane said as he looked back at the moment he was told about his condition. “It’s on me the second I wake up. It’s not a dream.”
Speaking about his current state, he revealed that only his left arm is functioning.
“My right side has completely stopped working… I feel like maybe a couple more months and I won’t have my left hand either,” he stated, adding that he is worried his legs would be the next to lose their function.
Dane also expressed his worry for his family as his ALS progresses, narrating an instance when his daughter had to rescue him while they were snorkeling because he could no longer swim.
When asked to whom he turns when his condition hits him hard, Dane answered, “I call Rebecca [Gayheart],” referring to his wife. “I talk to her every day.”
He took a pause as he held himself back from bursting into tears.
“We have managed to become better friends and better parents,” he continued, seemingly alluding to their previous separation then reconciliation. “She is probably my biggest champion and my most stalwart supporter, and I lean on her.”
Dane further stated that he is “very angry” at the disease as it might take him away from his two young daughters — the same way he lost his father at a young age.
Despite this, Dane has remained hopeful, declaring his belief that his condition is not the end of his story.
“I’m fighting as much as I can. There’s so much about it that’s out of my control,” he said. “At the end of the day, I just really want to spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can.”
Among Dane’s recent projects are the American series “Euphoria” and the upcoming series “Countdown.” /ra
