Films
Published November 13, 2023, 11:39 p.m. ET
Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming, admitted she feels guilty about some of the privileges she was granted due to the actor’s dementia diagnosis.Instagram/demimoore
Emma Heming admitted feeling guilty because she had certain privileges to support her husband Bruce Willis’ dementia diagnosis that others in similar situations may not have access to.
“I struggle with guilt because I know I have resources that others don’t,” Heming wrote in an editorial for Marie Shriver’s Sunday Paper that appeared Saturday.
“If I can go on a hike to clear my head, it’s not lost on me that not all caregivers can do that,” she explained.
“If what I share about our family’s journey receives press attention, I know that there are many thousands of untold, unheard stories, each deserving of compassion and concern.”
However, Heming, 45, explained that it made sense to her to uplift others by sharing her family’s story.
“I see that what I share is meaningful to others who may be struggling and in some way makes them feel seen and understood,” the model added.
The model shared that she realized her ability to “take a hike” was something not everyone had. Emma Heming/Instagram
“I want people to know that when I hear from another family affected by FTD, the same story of grief, loss and immense sadness that our family has reflected in theirs.”
Heming – who has daughters Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 9, with Willis – added that she recognized the importance of being an “advocate” for the “families who don’t have the time, energy or resources have to stand up for yourself.” .”
For more Page Six you love…
She also said that talking about Bruce’s diagnosis helped her and her blended family in many ways.
“I have so much more hope today than I did when Bruce was first diagnosed,” Heming wrote, adding, “I now understand this disease better and am now connected to an incredible community of support.”
The Willis family announced in February that the “Die Hard” star was suffering from frontotemporal dementia. Kevin Mazur/WireImage
“I am hopeful that I have found a new purpose – admittedly one I never sought – by being in the spotlight to help and empower others,” she continued.
“And I have hope that our entire family can find joy in the little things and come together to celebrate all the moments life has to offer.”
The Die Hard star’s family announced in March 2022 that he was retiring from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia.
According to the National Institutes of Health, aphasia is a neurological disorder that can affect a person’s language processing and communication skills.
The actor has a blended family of five daughters that he shares with Heming and his ex-wife Demi Moore.demimoore/Instagram
A year after announcing the heartbreaking diagnosis, the Willis family — including the actor’s three daughters and his ex-wife Demi Moore — announced that the Fifth Element star’s illness had progressed to frontotemporal dementia.
“While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis,” the family wrote in a statement on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration website.
“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can affect anyone. In people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because it can take years to be diagnosed, FTD is likely much more common than we know.”
Load More…
{{#isDisplay}} {{/isDisplay}}{{#isAniviewVideo}} {{/isAniviewVideo}}{{#isSRVideo}} {{/isSRVideo}}
https://pagesix.com/2023/11/13/entertainment/emma-heming-i-struggle-with-guilt-following-bruce-willis-dementia-diagnosis/?utm_source=url_sitebuttons&utm_medium=site%20buttons&utm_campaign=site%20buttons
Copy the URL to share