Actor Eric Dane pushes for ALS research: Not ‘the end of my story’
Campaign with Target ALS aims to raise $500,000 by Dec. 31
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- Actor Eric Dane and Target ALS launched a campaign to raise $500,000 for ALS research.
- ALS is a progressive nerve disease; early diagnosis and research are crucial for effective treatments.
- Target ALS funds collaborative research to transform ALS from a fatal to a manageable disease.
Actor Eric Dane is teaming up with Target ALS on a campaign to raise $500,000 by Dec. 31 to advance research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dane, who was diagnosed with ALS last year, has become a strong advocate for research. He portrayed a character with ALS on the NBC drama series “Brilliant Minds.”
“I chose to support Target ALS because I know that this organization is making the most headway towards developing effective treatments and I want to play my part to make that possible,” Dane said in a press release from the nonprofit.
ALS is a progressive disease that damages nerve cells connecting the brain to the spinal cord and the spinal cord to muscles, leading to muscle weakness and other ALS symptoms, such as difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing. Early diagnosis and research are crucial for better treatment options.
“I wake up every day and I’m immediately reminded that this is happening,” Dane, who is known for his roles on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” said. “It’s not a dream. Still, I don’t think this is the end of my story. I don’t feel like this is the end of me.”
‘A world where everyone with ALS lives’
After receiving his diagnosis, Dane connected with Dan Doctoroff, who founded Target ALS after losing his father and uncle to the disease and was diagnosed himself in 2021. Under Doctoroff, Target ALS has become the largest private funder in the disease’s research landscape, investing more than $80 million to date.
“I founded Target ALS in 2013 with a clear vision: to build a world where everyone with ALS lives,” said Doctoroff, former deputy mayor of New York. “I’m grateful that Eric believes in that vision and has joined us to make it a reality.”
The foundation has supported more than 1,700 projects worldwide, funded 750 research grants, and helped launch 11 clinical studies and six biotechnology companies. Its approach focuses on collaboration, granting access to resources, and conducting its own studies through the ALS Global Research Initiative.
While progress has been made, advancing collaborative research on ALS still depends on donations. The new campaign, “Ending ALS Starts with You,” aims to help power Target ALS’s model to accelerate the development of treatments.
“Target ALS aims to transform ALS from a fatal disease into a manageable disease, building a world where Everyone Lives,” the nonprofit said.
Michael Fornof
I've been living with the DX of ALS since June 1997. My symptoms first appeared in late 1996 although my family with medical background believe it started in 1992. That year was a very scary year not for myself but my family. My youngest brother had the unpleasant task of driving my 200 miles from my home to BNI in Phoenix.
3 months later and countless MRIs, Spinal taps, and what ever else the Drs could think of trying. A quick 6 inch cut at the back of my head and 4 days later I was heading home. The surgery wasn't to fix me it was to get a sample of what's going on inside my head. Although it was never confirmed the thought it was Fungal meningitis.
4 years pass and then they said Motor Neuron Disease, the kind way of not letting your hear the words amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
I do not wish this disease on anyone not even my worse enemy. I'm thankful I got the DX and not a family member or a friend. I've been delt a hand that only GOD, or a breakthrough cure can help me. I must say a positive mind helps heals a broken heart or in my case a broken body.
Please tell everyone to keep their head up, rise above all they hear and hold every family member close, find the absolute best in the day no matter how small it might seem.
With love and respect for all those touched by this disease.
Tim