Rebecca Gayheart recounts the grueling struggle to provide continued home care for her ex-husband, Eric Dane, after his ALS diagnosis. In the essay published in “The Cut”, the ex-wife of the Grey’s Anatomy actor described how the neurodegenerative disease has progressively changed their life.
Eric Dane worsened by ALS: «I have no reason to be positive». The actor lost control of one arm
“Eric now has nurses available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” Gayheart writes, but immediately clarifies that getting to this result was “a tough journey.” The actress says she has repeatedly clashed with the healthcare system and insurance companies: «Understanding how everything works is a feat in itself. The insurance denies you what you ask for, then you have to appeal, and then ask again.”
The fight
Despite the lack of empathy from the people she turned to for help, Rebecca did not give up. “You can continue to apply, and I will continue to refuse,” is just one of the answers he remembers with pain. On that occasion the response to the attacks was immediate and visceral: «I made it my mission. I collapsed, then I froze. I wouldn’t have stopped.” After two formal appeals, home nursing was finally approved.
Gayheart, separated from Dane since 2018 and mother to his daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, is Dane’s primary caregiver. “Coverage is divided into 21 shifts,” he explains, but the system doesn’t always hold up. «There are times when the shifts are not covered, and then I cover them».
Support also comes from Eric’s friends, available if needed. “Most people are not good at these situations, because they are too heavy,” he admits to justify those who, instead of helping, have fled in the face of pain. «I don’t hold a grudge against those who didn’t show up»
The diagnosis of Eric Dane
Eric Dane, 54, known for his roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, revealed in April that he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The disease affects motor neurons, progressively leading to the loss of the ability to speak, eat, walk and breathe independently. There is no cure, only therapies capable of slowing down its progression.
Last updated: Tuesday 30 December 2025, 5.33pm
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