Emma Heming Willis, the wife of Bruce Willis, unveiled her plan to launch a book about her caregiver experience after her husband's frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis. Maria Shriver's Open Field will publish the untitled book in 2025.
Commenting on her personal story, Hemming Willis stated that there are very few resources and support for caregivers following diagnosis. In an interview with Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper newsletter, she highlighted the critical aspect of clear communication between doctors and patients - easy availability of information and resources. Moreover, she emphasized the need for a social worker to guide patients in handling dementia.
In March 2022, the Willis family revealed that the action star would retire from his acting career because of aphasia. His condition worsened about a year later. The family shared that Willis' was diagnosed with FTD in February 2023.
FTD, unlike other types of dementia, mainly impacts communication and behavior rather than memory. In an interview in 2023, Heming Willis revealed that she is unsure if her husband fully understood his own diagnosis.
Heming Willis aims to offer a thoughtful and inspiring guide based on her personal experience. She hoped the book would serve as a valuable resource for new care partners, helping them understand they are not alone and that support is available.
Despite the challenges, Heming Willis shared that she now has more hope, understands the disease better, and feels connected to a supportive community. She acknowledged the unexpected new purpose that has emerged from her role as a caregiver, using the spotlight to empower others facing similar situations.
Intending to make a positive impact, Heming Willis envisioned her book being available in doctor's offices, providing essential support and information to those receiving life-changing news about a loved one's dementia.
Heming Willis preferred to call herself a care partner instead of a caretaker. She emphasizes the importance of care partners taking care of themselves to support their loved ones best. She described her husband as a 'gift that keeps giving,' teaching their daughters valuable qualities like love, patience, and resilience. Despite the sadness, she saw beauty in her husband's lessons to their family.
The Willis family has high hopes that a cure for dementia will be made available. The family also advocated bringing media attention to the disease and more research on its treatment. In a statement released on the AFTD website, the family expressed gratitude for the actor's generosity and love. Furthermore, they encouraged everyone to seek information about the condition through AFTD.
Married since 2009, Heming Willis and Willis share two daughters. Heming Willis has become Willis' primary caregiver since his diagnosis, navigating the complexities of FTD and offering hope and support to others facing similar challenges.
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