Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 16, 2025 · Entertainment

Eric Dane's Emotional ALS Campaign: A Push for Progress

Eric Dane used social media to announce a new initiative for ALS research and funding this week

EXCLUSIVE: Eric Dane's ALS Battle Takes Center Stage with Groundbreaking Campaign

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, former Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane has announced a new initiative for ALS research and funding through his Instagram account in collaboration with I AM ALS, a non-profit organization founded by Brian Wallach in 2019. The emotional video, posted just this week, marked a major milestone in the actor's fight against the debilitating disease.

At the tender age of 52, Eric has been living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) since his diagnosis in April, and it's clear that he's not letting the condition get him down. In fact, he's using his platform to raise awareness and push for a cure. "I'm Eric, an actor, a father, and now a person living with ALS," he said through strained speech at the beginning of the video.

The 52-year-old actor appeared in an Instagram video posted in collaboration with I AM ALS, which was founded by Brian Wallach in 2019

Fans were left stunned when Eric shared a moving message about pushing for a cure for this incurable neurodegenerative disease. For over a century, ALS has been a ticking time bomb, slowly but surely weakening muscles and affecting physical function in its victims. It's no wonder that Eric is determined to make a difference, especially considering his own harrowing experience.

As he spoke through the video, wearing an I AM ALS shirt with the logo prominently displayed on the front, Eric expressed his frustration with the status quo: "We're done accepting the status quo. We need the fastest path to a cure." His words were laced with determination and urgency, as he emphasized that it's time for change.

Eric announced that he has partnered with I AM ALS on a groundbreaking campaign called Push for Progress, which aims to accelerate ALS research, expand access to treatments, and secure $1 billion in federal funding over the next three years. His goal is nothing short of remarkable: to end this disease once and for all.

Eric was scheduled to reunite with his former Grey's Anatomy co-star Jesse Williams to present an award at the 2025 Emmys

In an emotional appeal to his followers, Eric urged everyone to join him on this mission, saying, "There's so much more to learn, more to do, and we have to do it now." His words were a clear call to action, as he emphasized that every moment counts in the fight against ALS.

But what's been going on behind the scenes? Sources close to Eric revealed that his decision to pull out of the 2025 Emmys at the last minute was due to his deteriorating health. The star was scheduled to present an award alongside his former Grey's Anatomy co-star Jesse Williams, but sadly, it wasn't meant to be.

The news sparked concern among fans who had been eagerly anticipating Eric's return to the red carpet. His absence only added to the speculation about his health and well-being. However, in a statement released earlier this year, Eric revealed that he was diagnosed with ALS and expressed gratitude for having his loving family by his side as they navigated this new chapter.

Jesse ended up taking the stage alone to present the award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series

In an exclusive interview with Good Morning America, Eric spoke candidly about his relationship with his wife Rebecca Gayheart, whom he shares two daughters with. Despite their highly publicized divorce in 2018, the couple shockingly dismissed the petition in March of this year and have since become better friends and co-parents. As Eric revealed, "I talk to her every day. We have managed to become better friends and better parents... She is my biggest champion, my most stalwart supporter, and I lean on her."

Eric's remarkable journey has been marked by courage, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. His latest initiative with I AM ALS is a testament to his unwavering commitment to finding a cure for this debilitating disease. Will he succeed in his mission? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Eric Dane is not giving up without a fight.

Join Eric's Mission: Push for Progress

Eric shares daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, with wife Rebecca Gayheart ; pictured in May 2024