‘Grey’s Anatomy’ actor opens up about overlooked symptom before shocking diagnosis
Eric Dane, the actor who was cast as Mark Sloan on the ABC medical drama, “Grey’s Anatomy,” continues to speak out about his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a progressive neurodegenerative condition.
Dane revealed this important fact to Diane Sawyer in a new interview on “Good Morning America” Monday, as reported in a story on PennLive.com
“I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand, and I didn’t really think anything of it at the time,” Dane explained.
Realistically speaking, it took some nine months for the actor to find out exactly what was going on.
During the interview with Sawyer, Dane revealed his diagnosis up until now — his right hand has “completely stopped working,” which leaves him with “one functioning arm.”
He also went on to report that his left arm is “going” and opines he only has “a few more months” of function in that arm.
But sadly, social media noted Dane’s illness has progressed to the point where he’s lost the use of his right arm and fears his left arm and legs will be next.
However, Dane, 52, who also starred in the hit HBO series “Euphoria,” made sure to mention he’s nonetheless being optimistic and focusing on living his life to the fullest, surrounding himself with positivity and continuing to work when he can, inasmuch as he’s aware of his future limitations.
ALS is described as a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain and in the spinal cord, that eventually leads to a person’s inability to move, speak, or even breathe.
At the present time, there is no cure.
Dane publicly came forward with his diagnosis in April of this year, and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, has discussed the impact of the illness on the couple’s two daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15 and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
Dane has since appeared in a campaign video for the I AM ALS organization, promoting research for the neurodegenerative disease.