Emma Heming has been very vocal about her journey supporting her husband, Bruce Willis, through his battle with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Since the announcement of Bruce’s diagnosis, Emma has taken on the role of a strong advocate for the FTD community, focusing on both those diagnosed with the disease and their caregivers. Recently, she attended the AFTD 2024 Education Conference, where she spoke with Susan Dickinson, CEO of The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, about the decision to disclose Bruce’s condition publicly.
One of the main reasons Emma decided to publicly disclose Bruce’s diagnosis was to ensure that their daughters, Mabel Ray and Evelyn Penn, understood the situation and did not feel like it was a family secret. Emma emphasized the importance of raising awareness on a global scale, given Bruce’s reach, and expressed that it was something he would have wanted them to do. By coming forward, Emma wanted to show her daughters the importance of seeking support and advocating for those in need.
Emma shared that once the diagnosis was made public, she felt a sense of relief. She described the feeling of being able to finally exhale and have a weight lifted off her shoulders. The disclosure allowed her to seek the support she needed for Bruce and their entire family. It was a turning point that brought about positive changes and opened up opportunities for them to connect with others facing similar challenges.
Bruce and Emma’s relationship started in 2007, leading to their marriage in 2009. Together, they have created a blended family that includes daughters Mabel Ray and Evelyn Penn, as well as Bruce’s daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah from his previous marriage to Demi Moore. The family’s journey with Bruce’s diagnosis has brought them closer together and strengthened their bond as they navigate the complexities of FTD.
Emma has been dedicated to raising awareness about FTD and advocating for the community. In a piece for Maria Shriver’s newsletter, The Sunday Paper, she emphasized the importance of shedding light on the disease and dispelling misconceptions. She highlighted the need for people to understand that not all dementia is Alzheimer’s and that FTD can have different impacts on individuals. Through her advocacy work, Emma hopes to bring about greater understanding and support for those affected by FTD.
Despite the challenges presented by Bruce’s diagnosis, Emma shared that it has changed her perspective on life. She has become more compassionate, able to empathize with others facing difficult situations, and has learned to hold space for both gratitude and grief. Through her advocacy efforts, Emma has found power in standing up for the FTD community and using her voice to make a difference.
Emma Heming’s dedication to advocating for frontotemporal dementia awareness is inspiring. Her willingness to speak openly about her family’s journey and the impact of Bruce’s diagnosis has helped raise awareness and support for those affected by FTD. Emma’s advocacy work serves as a testament to the power of sharing stories and standing up for those in need.
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