Eric Dane, Stephen Hawking and More Celebrities Who Battled ALS

ALS, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, has been a devastating diagnosis for many celebrities over the years. From Lou Gehrig himself in 1939 to Eric Dane in 2025, public figures have bravely shared their battles with this terminal neurodegenerative disorder.

Lou Gehrig, the famous baseball player, passed away in 1941 after battling ALS. Since then, many other well-known individuals have been diagnosed with the disease, including physicist Stephen Hawking who defied the odds and lived for decades after his diagnosis in 1963.

Despite advancements in treatment and symptom management, there is still no cure for ALS. Eric Dane, known for his roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” announced his diagnosis in April 2025 at the age of 52. In a statement to People, he expressed gratitude for his family’s support and emphasized his intention to continue working.

Brooke Eby, a social media influencer, also shared her ALS journey after being diagnosed in 2022. Despite losing the use of her legs and facing other challenges, she has become a prominent figure in the ALS community with over 220,000 followers on Instagram.

Baseball legend Catfish Hunter, founding member of the Zac Brown Band John Driskell Hopkins, and sportswriter Sarah Langs are among the other celebrities who have battled ALS. Each of them has shown incredible strength and resilience in the face of this debilitating disease.

Pete Frates, known for popularizing the Ice Bucket Challenge, received his diagnosis in 2012 and passed away in 2019 at the age of 34. Similarly, animator Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of “Spongebob Squarepants,” was diagnosed in 2017 and passed away in 2018 at the age of 57.

Despite the challenges posed by ALS, these individuals have inspired others with their courage and determination. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of raising awareness and funding for ALS research in the hopes of one day finding a cure for this devastating disease. The 2020 movie “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run” was dedicated to Roberta Flack, a legendary R&B singer and five-time Grammy Award winner. Flack retired in 2022 after being diagnosed with ALS, which made it impossible for her to continue singing. She was best known for her iconic songs “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” Flack passed away in February 2025 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music that continues to inspire generations.

Another notable figure who battled ALS was Steve Gleason, a former safety for the New Orleans Saints. Gleason received his diagnosis just weeks before he and his wife found out they were expecting their first child. Despite his illness, Gleason became a prominent advocate for ALS awareness and received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2019 for his efforts. In 2024, he was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs for his bravery in the face of adversity.

Mike Pocaro, the bassist for the rock band Toto, also faced a battle with ALS. Pocaro retired from the group in 2007 when muscle weakness made it difficult for him to continue playing. He went public with his diagnosis in 2010 and sadly passed away in 2015 at the age of 59. His contributions to music will always be remembered and cherished by fans around the world.

Kim Shattuck, the lead vocalist and guitarist for the punk rock band the Muffs, continued to make music with the group until shortly before her death in 2019 at the age of 56. Her passion for music and fearless attitude inspired many in the music industry and beyond.

Kenneth Mitchell, best known for his lead role in the CBS series “Jericho,” revealed his ALS diagnosis in February 2020. Despite his illness, Mitchell continued to act and even incorporated his wheelchair into his role in “Star Trek: Discovery.” He passed away in 2024 at the age of 49, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and determination.

Joe Bosall, a member of the Oakridge Boys, retired from the group in January 2024 due to a neuromuscular disorder that was later revealed to be ALS. He sadly passed away in July 2024 at the age of 76. Bosall’s contributions to country music will always be remembered and celebrated.

These individuals faced the challenges of ALS with courage and strength, leaving behind legacies that continue to inspire and uplift others. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of raising awareness for ALS and supporting those affected by the disease. The world is constantly changing and evolving, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of technology. From the invention of the wheel to the development of the internet, humans have always sought to innovate and improve upon existing technologies. In recent years, one technology that has been making waves is artificial intelligence (AI).

AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. This technology has the potential to revolutionize industries across the board, from healthcare to finance to entertainment. With the ability to process and analyze large amounts of data at speeds far beyond human capability, AI has the power to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and drive innovation.

One of the most exciting applications of AI is in the field of healthcare. AI-powered tools can be used to analyze medical images, such as X-rays and MRIs, to detect diseases and abnormalities with greater accuracy than human doctors. This can lead to earlier diagnoses and more effective treatment plans, ultimately saving lives. AI can also be used to predict patient outcomes and personalize treatment plans based on individual characteristics, leading to better overall healthcare outcomes.

In the finance industry, AI is being used to detect fraudulent activity and make more accurate predictions about market trends. By analyzing vast amounts of data in real-time, AI-powered systems can identify patterns and trends that humans may overlook, allowing financial institutions to make more informed decisions and mitigate risk. AI can also be used to automate routine tasks, such as customer service inquiries and data entry, freeing up employees to focus on more strategic initiatives.

In the entertainment industry, AI is being used to personalize content recommendations for users based on their viewing habits and preferences. Streaming services like Netflix and Spotify use AI algorithms to analyze user data and make personalized recommendations, leading to increased engagement and customer satisfaction. AI is also being used to create more immersive gaming experiences, with AI-powered characters that can learn and adapt to players’ actions in real-time.

As AI continues to advance and become more integrated into our daily lives, it is important to consider the ethical implications of this technology. Issues such as data privacy, bias in algorithmic decision-making, and job displacement due to automation must be carefully considered and addressed. However, with proper regulation and oversight, AI has the potential to improve our lives in countless ways.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence is a powerful technology that has the potential to revolutionize industries and improve our daily lives. From healthcare to finance to entertainment, AI is already making waves and will continue to shape the future of technology. By harnessing the power of AI responsibly and ethically, we can unlock its full potential and create a brighter future for all. The Importance of Mental Health in Today’s Society

Mental health has always been an important aspect of overall well-being, but in today’s society, it has become even more crucial. With the fast-paced lifestyles, constant stressors, and increasing pressures to succeed, more and more people are struggling with their mental health.

One of the main reasons why mental health is so important is because it affects every aspect of a person’s life. From their relationships with others, to their ability to perform well at work or school, mental health plays a significant role in how individuals navigate through life. When someone is struggling with their mental health, it can have a ripple effect on all areas of their life, leading to decreased productivity, strained relationships, and even physical health issues.

Another reason why mental health is so important in today’s society is because of the stigma that still surrounds it. Many people are afraid to seek help for their mental health issues because they fear being judged or labeled as “crazy”. This stigma can prevent individuals from getting the help they need, leading to a worsening of their mental health issues over time.

Additionally, mental health issues can also have a significant impact on the economy. According to the World Health Organization, mental health conditions are the leading cause of disability worldwide. This means that when individuals are struggling with their mental health, they are less likely to be able to work and contribute to society, leading to a loss in productivity and economic growth.

In order to address the importance of mental health in today’s society, it is crucial that we work towards breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This can be done through education and awareness campaigns, as well as by providing resources and support for those who are struggling with their mental health.

It is also important for individuals to prioritize their own mental health and well-being. This can include practicing self-care, seeking therapy or counseling when needed, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By taking care of our mental health, we can improve our overall quality of life and contribute to a healthier, happier society.

In conclusion, mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being that cannot be overlooked. In today’s society, where stress and pressure are prevalent, it is crucial that we prioritize our mental health and work towards breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. By doing so, we can create a society that is healthier, happier, and more productive for all. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to revolutionize industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation, making processes more efficient and improving outcomes.

AI is a branch of computer science that aims to create machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and understanding natural language. These machines are able to learn from data, adapt to new information, and make predictions based on patterns they identify.

One of the most well-known applications of AI is in the field of healthcare. AI-powered tools can analyze medical images, such as X-rays and MRIs, to detect diseases and abnormalities more quickly and accurately than human doctors. This can lead to earlier diagnoses and more effective treatments, ultimately saving lives.

In the finance industry, AI is being used to analyze vast amounts of financial data in real-time, allowing for more accurate predictions of market trends and investment opportunities. AI-powered chatbots are also being used to provide customer service, answering questions and resolving issues more efficiently than human agents.

AI is also making waves in the transportation industry, with self-driving cars becoming a reality thanks to AI algorithms that can navigate roads and make decisions in real-time. These autonomous vehicles have the potential to reduce accidents and traffic congestion, as well as provide mobility options for those who are unable to drive themselves.

While the possibilities of AI are exciting, there are also concerns about its impact on society. There are fears that AI could lead to job loss as machines replace human workers in certain industries. There are also ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in areas such as surveillance and warfare, as well as questions about who is responsible when AI systems make mistakes.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI are immense. As the technology continues to advance, it has the power to improve our lives in countless ways, from improving healthcare outcomes to revolutionizing how we interact with technology. It is up to us to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly, in a way that benefits society as a whole.