eric Dane Intensifies ALS Advocacy as He Battles Disease Progression
WASHINGTON – Actor Eric Dane is amplifying his advocacy for ALS research and patient access to treatment as his own symptoms of the disease progress, publicly urging support for the Accelerate Access to Critical Treatments for ALS (ACT for ALS) legislation. Dane, known for his roles in “Gray’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” revealed his ALS diagnosis in April and has since become a vocal proponent for increased funding and broader access to clinical trials.
The ACT for ALS bill, set to expire in 2026, aims to provide funding for ALS research and expedite access to potential treatments for patients. Dane recently connected with U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) to discuss the legislation’s importance, emphasizing the critical need to broaden access to clinical trials for those newly diagnosed. “So often,it takes all this time for these people to be diagnosed. Well, then it precludes them from being a part of these clinical trials,” Dane told Swalwell, adding, “That’s why ACT for ALS is so, so great, and it’s because it broadens the access for everybody.”
Dane experienced a nine-month diagnostic journey before receiving his ALS diagnosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He initially expressed anger and fear about the potential impact on his two young daughters, mirroring the loss of his own father at age seven. Though, his focus has shifted to actively fighting for a future where he can witness their milestones.
“I want to see [my daughters] you know, graduate college, and get married and maybe have grandkids,” Dane shared with Swalwell.”You know, I want to be there for all that.So I’m going to fight to the last breath on this one.” Despite a slight slur in his speech, his determination was evident in a video posted on TikTok by Rep. Swalwell.
ALS affects approximately 5,000 people in the U.S. each year, progressively impacting nerve cells controlling movement, ultimately leading to the loss of speech, mobility, swallowing, and breathing functions, according to the National ALS Registry.The renewed push for ACT for ALS underscores the urgency for advancements in treatment and care for those battling this devastating disease.
