Emma Heming, the wife of actor Bruce Willis, celebrated her 46th birthday on Thursday by sharing a heartfelt message recalling the star’s previous traditions.
Bruce,69, withdrew from performing in February 2023 after figҺting aphasia, a neurological ailment. Less than a year later, Bruce’s family said the actor had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Emma promised to make the most of her big occasion, just as Bruce had always done, and she posted a charming montage of her birthday celebrations, complete with a picture of her kissing her spouse.
In the montage, she was also seen going to the beach, a theme park, and eating supper with the couple’s daughters and friends.
“Bruce would call it my birthday month,” the writer stated. Thus, we have to rejoice! I’m thankful and fortunate to have loved ones who have supported me during the entire month, both locally and virtually, as seen in this video.
“I intend to persevere through the remaining days of June, no matter how far this baby takes me!”
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In 2022, Bruce announced his retirement from acting to focus on his bаttle with the sickness that was causing his language skills to degrade. His family then released a statement stating that his condition had “progressed.”
The brain’s lobes behind the forehead, which are involved in behavior, planning, problem-solving, and emotions, are affected by frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Symptoms of FTD include compulsive behavior, personality changes, and difficulty speaking.
‘Our family wаnted 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,’ read the statement from his wife Emma, ex-wife Demi, and five daughters that was posted on the website of The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.
In keeping with that, because we now have a clearer picture of what our dear husband, father, and friend is going through, we wаnted to provide you with an update.
Following the announcement of Bruce’s aphasia diagnosis in the spring of 2022, his health has worsened, leading to the more precise diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, or FTD.
Unfortunately, Bruce’s illness has many symptoms, communication difficulties being just one of them. Even while this hurts, having a definitive diagnosis at last is a comfort.
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“FTD is a terrible illness that can affect anyone and that many of us have never heard of.” The most common type of dementia in individuals under 60 is frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and since diagnosis can take years, the actual prevalence of FTD is probably much higher.
There are now no cures for the illness, but we hope that this will change in the years to come. We hope that as Bruce’s illness worsens, any media attention will be directed toward raising awareness of this illness, which requires much more investigation and care.
Bruce has always supported speaking out on behalf of others and bringing significant concerns to people’s attention in both public and private settings.
We have no doubts in our hearts that, if he could act now, he would wish to draw attention to the crippling condition that affects so many people and their families and foster a sense of community among those who are coping with it.
‘Ours is not the only family to have a loved one with FTD, and we urge all who are affected to take use of the plethora of resources and assistance offered by AFTD (@theaftd, theaftd.org).
And for those of you who are fortunate enough to have never experienced FTD firsthand, we sincerely hope you would take the time to educate yourself on the subject and provide your support to AFTD’s purpose in any way you can.
Bruce has always been happy and has encouraged everyone he knows to feel the same way. Seeing that feeling of concern returned to him and to all of us has meant the world.
The love you have all shown for our beloved husband, father, and friend during this trying time has touched us so much. We can only be able to assist Bruce in leading the fullest life possible with your ongoing kindness, tolerance, and respect.
Emma, Demi, and his daughters Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn signed the statement.