Emma Heming Willis is plagued with guilt because she has 'resources that others don't' while caring for her retired actor husband who is currently battling dementia.
- Nov 14, 2023
AceShowbiz - Emma Heming Willis is filled with guilt during Bruce Willis' ongoing health struggles. The "Die Hard" actor is struggling with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) - a degenerative disease, which causes behavioural changes and communication difficulties - but his wife admitted she feels fortunate by the "resources" she has during such a difficult time.
"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," she told Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper.
And 45-year-old model Emma - who has daughters Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, nine, with the 68-year-old star - is keen to "be an advocate" for thhose going through similar struggles. She added, "I see that what I share matters to others who may be struggling, and in a small way makes them feel seen and understood."
"I want people to know that when I hear from another family affected by FTD, I hear our family's same story of grief, loss, and immense sadness echoed in theirs...It's important to me to be an advocate on behalf of those families, who don't have the time, energy, or resources to advocate for themselves."
She is urging people to see that "hope is everything," just as she does despite Bruce - who has daughters Rumer Willis, 35, Scout Willis, 32, and Tallulah Willis, 29, with ex Demi Moore - continuing to struggle.
She explained, "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."
