Last month, we reported that the Hollywood star Bruce Willis had been diagnosed with dementia at the age of 67. Now, his wife Emma Heming Willis is speaking out to say that she wants to use her platform to “raise awareness” about dementia.
Pray for #BruceWillis 🤲 Actor Bruce Willis' condition has progressed to dementia, says family.@EmmaHeming pic.twitter.com/czrz2cuOuB
— Mekal Shan (@mekalshan) February 17, 2023
Willis’ Wife Speaks Out
Daily Mail reported that Heming Willis, 44, took to Instagram on Tuesday to say that she wants to channel her pain over her husband’s diagnosis into doing “something good.”
“I just saw something about me getting my five minutes, which is great. Which means that you’re listening,” she said. “So I’m going to take my five minutes and I’m going to turn it into 10 because I’m always going to advocate for my husband.”
“And, while I’m at it, I’m going to raise awareness around FTD and for caregivers, who are unsung heroes out there,” she continued. “And then, and then, I am going to turn my grief and my anger and my sadness and do something good around something that feels less than. So, watch this space, because I didn’t come to play.”
Heming Willis captioned the video, “Just over here turning my 5 mins into 10. I’ve sat around quietly for too long and I’m so ready to be embraced by this solid and loving community my family and I find ourselves in while trying to lift them up in return. Let’s go. #ftdawareness #dementiaawareness #caregiversupport.”
Related: Bruce Willis Receives Devastating Dementia Diagnosis
Heming Willis Sends Message To Caregivers
This comes days after Heming Willis posted an emotional video in which she said was in “service for raising awareness about dementia.”
“If you are someone who is looking after someone who has dementia, you know how difficult and how stressful it can be, just to get them out into the world and navigate them safely – even just to get a cup of coffee,” she stated.
“To other caregivers or dementia care specialist navigating this world…. Any tips or advice on how to get your loved ones out in the world safely?” she wrote in that caption. “Please share below.”
Related: Bruce Willis’ Wife Begs Paparazzi To Leave Him Alone After He’s Diagnosed With Dementia
Willis’ Diagnosis
Willis was forced to retire from acting one year ago after he was diagnosed with aphasia. Sadly, his family announced in February that his disease has since progressed to frontotemporal dementia. Willis is the father of three adult daughters with his ex-wife Demi Moore, and of two daughters ages 10 and 8 with Heming Willis, who he’s been married to for fourteen years.
“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),” his family said in a statement posted to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration website. “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.”
After saying that there is “no treatment” for FTD, Willis’ family said that he would want to use his diagnosis to help others.
“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately,” the statement added. “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.”
“Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same,” the family concluded. “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.”
My heart goes out to Bruce Willis and his family, & also my gratitude for shining a much needed light on this disease. When people step forward it helps all of us. When people get a diagnosis it’s extremely difficult, but also for most a relief to get a diagnosis. pic.twitter.com/macAukMe7U
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) February 16, 2023
Willis and his family are clearly going through a very difficult time for them. Please join us in saying a prayer for them as they continue to come to terms with his diagnosis.
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