Eric Dane’s presence was felt even in his absence at the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala on Saturday, January 24.
The “Grey’s Anatomy” star was unable to attend the Pasadena, California, event as he continues to manage health challenges tied to his ALS diagnosis. Dane had been scheduled to appear in person to accept the Advocate of the Year Award.
Dane Honored for Courage and Advocacy
GettyHis absence was confirmed by a spokesperson for the ALS Network in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter.
“The ALS Network has been informed that Eric Dane had hoped to join us this evening to accept his Advocate of the Year Award, but due to the physical realities of ALS, he is not well enough to attend,” the spokesperson said.
Although Dane was unable to attend, the ALS Network made clear that his presence and advocacy remained at the heart of the evening.
“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,” the statement read.
“Aaron Lazar, Broadway star and Grammy Award nominee, will accept the award on his behalf.”
The organization first announced in September 2025 that Dane, 53, would be honored with the Advocate of the Year Award, citing his role in bringing “international attention to ALS” through his “leadership and compassion.”
“This award is more than an honor,” Dane said at the time. “[The award is] a reflection of the incredible strength and courage I see in the ALS community every day.”
Going Public With His ALS Diagnosis
GettyDane first revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, in a statement to People magazine. He opened up about the deeply personal moment with honesty and bravery. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological condition that damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually affecting muscle control.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he told People. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
GettyEven as he shared the weight of the diagnosis, Dane expressed gratitude and determination to keep moving forward.
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to [the] set of ‘Euphoria’ next week,” he added. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
Continuing to Work and Share His Journey
GettyWhile continuing work on season three of “Euphoria,” Dane also made a guest appearance on “Brilliant Minds” in November 2025.
NBCHe portrayed a firefighter and 9/11 hero grappling with how to share his ALS diagnosis with his family, a role that closely mirrored his own reality.
In December, Dane spoke openly during a Giving Tuesday panel with I AM ALS, reflecting on how the disease has shifted his sense of purpose.
“I’m not about to concede my purpose to some disease. I just am not capable of doing that,” he said, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
He later added, “I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day. I don’t think anybody would blame me if I went upstairs in my bedroom, crawled under the sheets, and spent the next two weeks crying. And I was a little bit pleasantly surprised when I realized that I wasn’t built like that, because I thought for sure that was gonna be me.”
He continued, “I think it’s imperative that I share my journey with as many people as I can because I don’t feel like my life is about me anymore.”
Dane shares two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, with his estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart.
He has also spoken openly about the progression of his condition. During a June 2025 appearance on “Good Morning America,” Dane shared that he now has only “one functioning arm,” noting that his left side had “completely stopped working.”
He was later seen using a wheelchair in October.
While he has scaled back some public appearances, Dane remains active in his work and advocacy.
He continues to speak candidly about his experience, using his platform to raise awareness and support for the ALS community.
I was living a normal life with my family when, at 52, I began experiencing muscle stiffness and twitching. After seeing a neurologist, I was diagnosed with ALS. It was a tough reality, and as the disease progressed, I eventually lost the ability to walk and relied on a wheelchair. A friend recommended Limitless Herb Center , where I began their ALS/MND protocol. After about three months, I noticed significant improvements, less stiffness, fewer symptoms, and I was able to walk distances again.