Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming, celebrated her 46th birthday on Thursday with an emotional post reflecting on how the dementia-stricken actor used to mark the occasion.
In February 2023, Bruce’s family revealed that the actor had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), less than a year after the 69-year-old retired from acting due to his battle with the brain disorder aphasia.
Emma shared a sweet montage of her birthday celebrations, including a snap showing her kissing her husband, as she promised to make the most of her special occasion, just like Bruce had always done.
The montage also showed her dining with the couple’s daughters and friends, visiting a theme park and heading to the beach.
She wrote: ‘Bruce would call it my “birthday month.” So let’s celebrate! I feel blessed and grateful to have family and friends (in this video and from afar) who made it so special for me throughout the month.
Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming, celebrated his 46th birthday on Thursday with an emotional post reflecting on how the dementia-stricken actor used to mark the occasion.
‘There are still a few days left in June and I’m going to use this opportunity until the end!’
Bruce retired from acting in 2022 as he began his fight against the illness that caused his language skills to deteriorate, and his condition then “progressed” according to a joint statement from his family.
FTD affects the lobes of the brain behind the forehead, which deal with behavior, problem solving, planning and emotions, with symptoms including personality changes, obsessive behavior and speech difficulties.
The statement, from his wife Emma, his ex-wife Demi and their five daughters, which was posted on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration website, said: “Our family wanted to begin by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis.
‘In that spirit, we wanted to provide you with an update on our beloved husband, father and friend as we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing.
‘Since we announced Bruce’s aphasia diagnosis in the spring of 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).
‘Unfortunately, communication problems are just one symptom of the illness Bruce is facing. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.
‘FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can affect anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia and because it can take years to get diagnosed, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we think.
Emma appears in the photo with the couple’s daughters, Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, nine.
Emma was seen celebrating her special day with friends
Emma chatted with her doppelganger daughter in another snap.
Emma also enjoyed a trip to a theme park with her girls.
She married Willis in 2009; appear in the photo that year.
‘There are currently no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the coming years. As Bruce’s condition progresses, we hope that media attention can focus on shedding light on this disease that needs much more awareness and research.
‘Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others and raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately.
We know in our hearts that if we could today, we would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connection to those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it affects so many people and their families.
‘Ours is just one family with a loved one suffering from FTD, and we encourage others facing it to seek out the wealth of information and support available through AFTD (@theaftd, theaftd.org).
‘And for those of you who have been fortunate enough not to have any personal experience with FTD, we hope you will take the time to learn about it and support AFTD’s mission in any way you can.
‘Bruce has always found joy in life and has helped everyone he knows do the same. It has meant to the world to see that feeling of care resonate with him and with all of us.
“We have been deeply touched by the love everyone has shown towards our beloved husband, father and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding and respect will allow us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.”
The statement was signed by Emma, Demi and their daughters Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn.