“Cruel disease”: Bruce Willis given heartbreaking new diagnosis
In a devastating statement on Instagram, Bruce Willis’ family have shared an update on his health, announcing that the actor has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
Bruce’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, shared a picture of Bruce smiling on a beach, with a caption that provided their supporters news of the development in his health battle, and explained that his condition has gotten worse since his aphasia diagnosis in 2022. The same post was shared by Bruce’s ex-wife, Demi Moore, and daughter Rumer.
On behalf of herself and the “Ladies of Willis/Moore”, Emma wrote, “our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis.
“In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing.
“Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD). Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
In their full statement, the family explained that FTD is a “cruel disease” that is largely unheard of, although it is the most common form of dementia for individuals under the age of 60. Symptoms, which can worsen over time, include a loss of motor skills - from having trouble walking to muscle spasms.
“Today there are no treatments for the disease,” the family wrote, “a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.”
“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. We know in our hearts that – if he could today -- he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.”
The statement - from the hearts of Bruce’s wife, ex-wife, and five daughters - concluded with a plea for fans to go out and educate themselves on the disease, and to support the mission to help others, whether or not they had any experience with FTD themselves.
“Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same,” they finished. “It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us. We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.”
In response to the news, fans and fellow Hollywood stars came to share their love and support for the actor, as well as his loved ones as they all come to terms with the new diagnosis.
“Thank you for sharing this with us. Sending Bruce and all the families love,” wrote American actress Rita Wilson.
“I do understand, I lost my father from this disease,” a supporter shared. “I have to say- we kept finding gifts in the darkness and came out his death with a deeper love and an abundance of appreciation for life because though dementia is awful, we didn’t let it define him or us. We met him where he was hour by hour, minutes by minutes and learned so much him and ourselves. Sending all our love and light.”
Surprisingly, a fuzzy cat even dropped by to send its love to the family, telling them “I send you all my love Bruce, Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn.”
And as one fan on Twitter said, “Thanks to the Willis family for sharing his diagnosis, it helps raise awareness of FTD. To his and other families with a loved one with FTD, stay strong. Keep fighting. We are all here for each other.”
Image: Instagram