Movies
By Alix Breeden
Published Nov. 13, 2023, 11:39 p.m. ET
Emma Heming, the wife of actor Bruce Willis, recently opened up about feeling guilty for the privileges she has in supporting her husband’s dementia diagnosis. In an op-ed for Marie Shriver’s Sunday Paper, Heming admitted to struggling with guilt knowing that she has resources that others in similar situations may not have access to.
The 45-year-old model shared that when she is able to take a hike to clear her head, she is aware that not all care partners can do the same. She expressed compassion and concern for the thousands of untold, unheard stories of families affected by dementia.
However, Heming also found purpose in uplifting others through sharing her family’s story. She mentioned that she has received positive feedback from others who may be struggling and feels that her story makes them feel seen and understood.
Heming, who has two daughters with Willis, also emphasized the importance of being an advocate for families who may not have the time, energy, or resources to advocate for themselves. She spoke about finding hope in being connected to a supportive community and finding joy in coming together to celebrate the moments life has to offer.
Bruce Willis’ diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia was announced in February, prompting the actor to step away from acting. The family later revealed that the disease had progressed to frontotemporal dementia, a form of dementia that can impact a person’s language processing and communication abilities.
Despite the challenges they face, Emma Heming remains hopeful and is using her platform to empower others in similar situations. The Willis family hopes to raise awareness about FTD, a disease that is not commonly heard of and can affect anyone, especially those under 60.