Bruce Willis' Wife Says She 'Struggles With Guilt' Following His Dementia Diagnosis

Earlier this year, Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration, an aggressive form of dementia that has left the actor with decreased language processing and communication abilities. His family, especially his wife, Emma Heming, has been very vocal about his status and has raised a lot of awareness about the disease itself. Just recently, Heming, 45, published an op-ed in Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper in which she talks about what it’s been like for her as a care partner.

Emma Heming and Bruce Willis married in 2009, and had two daughters, Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 9. Bruce also has three daughters from his previous marriage to Demi Moore: Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 29. All three of his elder daughters have also

Emma Heming on ‘feeling guilty’ after Bruce Willis’ diagnosis

Heming has been very adamant that she is not a “care taker” but a “care partner,” and has posted on Instagram about the importance of taking care of herself and her daughters as well as her husband. On August 14, she wrote out a caption saying, “When we are not looking after ourselves, we are no good to the people we love who we want to show up for and take care of.”

With that being said, the model has also acknowledged that she is privileged enough to have access to a lot of resources that not everyone has access to. In her op-ed, she wrote, “I struggle with guilt, knowing that I have resources that others don’t.”

“When I’m able to to get out for a hike to clear my head,” she continued, “it’s not lost on me that not all care partners can do that. When what I share about our family’s journey gets press attention, I know that there are many thousands of untold, unheard stories, each of them deserving of compassion and concern.”

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Emma Heming brings awareness to FTD

You may not have heard of frontotemporal degeneration prior to Bruce’s diagnosis, and that’s not uncommon. “FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone,” Willis’ family said in a statement posted on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration website.

“For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know.” Emma Heming has take on the role of raising awareness about the disease. “I have hope in having found a new purpose,” she said in her op-ed. “Using the spotlight to help and empower others.”

Back in September, Heming dedicated her Instagram page to FTD Awareness Week, posting informational reels and photos, doing interviews with specialists, and raising awareness about the stories and experiences of others who are suffering from the disease and their families and loved ones. She has spoken also spoken about the importance of being an “advocate” for the “families who don’t have the time, energy, or resources to advocate for themselves.”

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Fan reactions

Emma Heming posted on Instagram to share that she's been published in Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper, and fans took to the comment section to share their thoughts. "You are a warrior," one fan commented. "I am so proud of you for all your hard work you do for your family and educating others."

"Thank you for bringing the light and raising awareness," another posted. "We will help you carry the message. Thank you, thank you!"

A third added, "Thank you for shining the light on FTD. Your messaging is always on point and so generous of you and your family to share the joys and the struggles! Take care of you and your family as well & remember it's a marathon, not a sprint!"

"Love seeing this love," another comment read. "I hope that no matter what, Bruce always knows this love from you and the girls."

A final fan wrote, "Thank you for sharing your journey. You are an encouragement to me as I help care for a loved one."