Eric Dane, the actor best known for his roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” unfortunately had to withdraw from the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, where he was set to be honored as Advocate of the Year. The cancellation came just hours before the event, with organizers noting that it was “due to the physical realities of ALS” and that Dane was “not well enough to attend.”
The ALS Network expressed its gratitude for Dane’s advocacy and commitment to the ALS community, stating, “We remain deeply grateful for his courage, advocacy, and continued commitment to the ALS community, and we honor him fully this evening with our profound respect and support.” Fellow actor Aaron Lazar, who has been diagnosed with ALS, accepted the award on Dane’s behalf.
Dane publicly revealed his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to PEOPLE in April, asking for privacy for his family during this challenging time. Since then, he has shared more intimate reflections about living with the disease, stating, “I wake up every day, and I’m immediately reminded that this is happening. It’s not a dream.”
The actor shares two daughters, Billie and Georgia, with his ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart. Although they divorced in 2018, they later reconciled and are navigating this difficult situation together. In a previous interview, Gayheart discussed how their family is tackling this new reality “day by day,” with the support of professional counselors.
Despite his absence at the gala, Dane made a virtual appearance through a pre-recorded message where he accepted his Advocate of the Year accolade. In a heartfelt speech, he dedicated the award to his family and all those bravely facing ALS. He emphasized the critical role that the ALS Network plays in improving the quality of life for those living with the disease and concluded on a hopeful note stating, “With help from the ALS Network, we will finally kick the s— out of ALS.”
The gala included a montage featuring highlights of Dane’s career along with supportive messages from co-stars like Ellen Pompeo and Jacob Elordi, celebrating both his contributions to the entertainment industry and his impactful advocacy for ALS awareness.