Emma Heming Willis is celebrating a significant milestone in raising awareness for frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a condition affecting her husband, Bruce Willis. On Tuesday, Emma shared a “fantastic” update with her followers, revealing that major progress has been made in the fight for greater recognition of the disease.
Emma visited the California State Capitol, where the state legislature passed a resolution declaring September 21-27 as Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week. This resolution marks a vital step forward for the cause, with Emma, alongside the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), witnessing the event.
In an Instagram post, Emma expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are grateful to the California Legislature for recognizing FTD Awareness Week; September 21st-27th, and to the elected officials who made this possible.” She thanked the bipartisan group of legislators who united for the cause, adding, “This resolution is more than symbolic; it’s a lifeline of recognition for every family touched by FTD.”
The announcement has sparked an outpouring of support from her followers, many of whom echoed the sentiment with comments like “Fantastic!” and “It’s happening!!”
Since Bruce’s diagnosis with FTD in early 2023, Emma has stepped into the role of caregiver, advocating for those affected by the disease. She has written a memoir, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, set to be released on September 9. The book serves as a compassionate guide for caregivers, providing support and insights on navigating the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia.
Emma has shared her own experience of feeling unprepared after Bruce’s diagnosis, recalling, “We left the doctor’s office with a pamphlet and a hollow goodbye. No plan, no guidance, no hope, just shock.” Her book aims to fill that gap, offering advice on caregiving, self-care, and how to approach the emotional complexities of the journey.
Through her advocacy and personal journey, Emma has become a vital voice for those living with FTD, offering much-needed guidance for caregivers everywhere.
