A Star's Fight: Eric Dane's ALS Battle Takes Center Stage

Eric Dane, known for his acting roles, had to skip an ALS event at the last minute. This happened on Saturday, January 24th. The event was the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala. Dane was supposed to be there. He was even going to get an award. The award was for being the Advocate of the Year. But Dane couldn't make it. He was too sick. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a tough disease. It affects muscles and makes it hard to move. Dane's team said he wasn't well enough to attend. They thanked him for his bravery and support. Another actor, Aaron Lazar, who also has ALS, accepted the award for Dane. Dane first told the world about his ALS diagnosis in April. He asked for privacy. But he also talked about it later. In June, he spoke to Diane Sawyer. He said waking up every day is a reminder. It's not a dream. It's real.Dane has two daughters. Their names are Billie and Georgia. He shares them with Rebecca Gayheart. They were married in 2004. They almost got divorced in 2018. But they changed their minds. Gayheart talked about how they're handling Dane's illness. She said they're taking it day by day. They have therapists helping them. Even though Dane couldn't be at the gala, he sent a video message. He accepted the award in the video. He said the award is for his family and everyone fighting ALS. He thanked the ALS Network. He said they help people with ALS live better lives. He ended his message with a hopeful note. He said they will beat ALS with help from the network. After Dane's message, there was a video. It showed clips from his acting career. It also had tributes from his co-stars. Ellen Pompeo and Jacob Elordi were among them.