Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming 'struggles with guilt' following actors' dementia diagnosis
Bruce Willis' wife Emma has told how she has been 'struggling with guilt' since the actor was diagnosed with dementia.
Willis' family have been open about how they have been adjusting to life since the Die Hard star was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in February, following his aphasia diagnosis last year.
Emma, 45, has stayed firmly by the 68-year-old's side, while his five daughters and ex-wife Demi Moore have rallied round him.
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She said the brood have now become 'advocates' for the 'families who don't have the time, energy or resources to advocate for themselves'.
Emma explained she is aware their celebrity status offers them privileges that others in similar situations might not have access too.
The model is well aware there are families experiencing the same circumstances which are unable to rely on the support that she can.
In an emotive op-ed for Marie Shriver’s Sunday Paper, the mum wrote: "I struggle with guilt, knowing that I have resources that others don’t.
"When I’m able to get out for a hike to clear my head, 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.
"I see that what I share matters to others who may be struggling, and in a small way makes them feel seen and understood."
The mum - who shares daughters Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 9, with Willis - said the journey has helped her find 'a new purpose'.
Emma continued: "I have so much more hope today than I did after Bruce was first diagnosed.
"I understand this disease more now, and I’m now connected to an incredible community of support.
|I have hope in having found a new purpose — admittedly one I never would have gone looking for — using the spotlight to help and empower others," she added.
"And I have hope in how our entire family can find joy in the small things, and in coming together to celebrate all the moments life has to offer."
Willis' daughter Tallulah, 29, previously revealed the family have been inspired to 'help other people' and spread awareness since her dad's diagnosis.
The actress said she and her sisters connect with their father through music and 'sitting in this energy of love'.
Tallulah explained the Glass actor's current condition hasn't changed.
She said: "He is the same...which I think, in this regard, I've learned is the best thing that you can ask for.
"And what I see is love when I am with him. And it's my dad and he loves me."
Topics: Bruce Willis, Health, Celebrity, TV and Film
Olivia Burke