‘Grey’s Anatomy’ actor named ALS Network’s advocate of the year
Eric Dane helped launch I AM ALS' Push for Progress campaign
The ALS Network is honoring actor Eric Dane as its Advocate of the Year, granting the former TV doctor the annual award in recognition of his efforts and commitment to raising awareness and support for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The award will be presented at the Champions for Cures and Care gala on Jan. 24, 2026, in Pasadena, California. Members of the ALS community — patients, their families, advocates, and leaders — will come together to celebrate progress and strengthen the fight against ALS, according to an ALS Network press release.
Earlier this year, Dane, best known for his roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” revealed he was diagnosed with ALS. Since then, the actor has leveraged his public platform to shine a spotlight on ALS, using his own diagnosis to amplify voices in the ALS community and call attention to what the nonprofit says is an urgent need for funding, better care, and research.
According to Dane, “this award is more than an honor — it’s a reflection of the incredible strength and courage I see in the ALS community every day.”
Dane has starred in both television and film roles, and will appear in the third season of “Euphoria,” which is now in production. He previously played Dr. Mark Sloan on the TV medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.”
“Facing ALS myself, I know the challenges are real and relentless. But together, through advocacy, awareness, and action, we can move closer to a world without this disease,” Dane said. “I share this recognition with every person living with ALS, caregiver, and advocate fighting alongside me.”
Advocate of the Year award goes to individual showing ‘exceptional leadership’
The Advocate of the Year award honors an individual who has shown exceptional leadership in advancing the ALS Network’s mission — to partner with the ALS community in driving the discovery of prevention strategies, treatments, and ultimately, cures for the progressive disease.
Dane’s most recent initiative was the Push for Progress campaign, which he helped launch in partnership with the nonprofit I AM ALS. A three‑year campaign, Push for Progress is advocating for more research on ALS, expanded access to treatments, and $1 billion in federal funding.
[Eric Dane] has turned his ALS journey into a catalyst for progress, uniting people with his voice, his heart, and his determination. The ALS community is stronger, more visible, and more hopeful because of him.
“Eric has transformed personal challenges into powerful advocacy,” said Sheri Strahl, president and CEO of the ALS Network. “He has turned his ALS journey into a catalyst for progress, uniting people with his voice, his heart, and his determination. The ALS community is stronger, more visible, and more hopeful because of him.”
Information on sponsorship, ads, and tickets for the Champions for Cures and Care gala will be available on event’s website.
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