Eric Dane Accepts ALS Advocacy Award Despite Illness

When Eric Dane was too ill to attend Saturday's ALS Network gala, he made sure his message of hope still reached everyone fighting the disease.

The 53-year-old actor was set to receive the Advocate of the Year award at the Champions for Cures and Care Gala on January 24. Hours before the event, organizers announced he couldn't attend "due to the physical realities of ALS."

But Dane wasn't going to let the illness silence his voice. He recorded a heartfelt message accepting the honor and rallying the ALS community to keep fighting.

"This award is not just for me, it's for my beautiful family and loved ones who are fighting, and it's for every person who has faced ALS with courage," Dane said in his video. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this. With help from the ALS Network, we will finally kick the s--- out of ALS."

Fellow actor Aaron Lazar, who also lives with ALS, stepped in to accept the physical award on Dane's behalf. The ALS Network praised Dane's "courage, advocacy and continued commitment to the ALS community."

Dane revealed his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis to PEOPLE magazine last April. Since then, he's partnered with the nonprofit I AM ALS to raise awareness and funds for research.

His ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters are supporting him through the journey. In September, Gayheart told PEOPLE they're handling the diagnosis "day by day" with help from professional therapists, approaching it with "dignity, grace and love."

Why This Inspires

Dane's determination to show up for the ALS community, even when his body wouldn't cooperate, captures the spirit of advocacy. His pre-recorded message ensured that hundreds of gala attendees still heard his words of encouragement and defiance against the disease.

The evening included a video montage of Dane's career highlights and tributes from costars including Ellen Pompeo and Jacob Elordi. Their participation shows how Dane's openness about his diagnosis has created a ripple of support throughout Hollywood and beyond.

By accepting the award and sharing his battle publicly, Dane gives hope to thousands of families facing ALS while shining a spotlight on the urgent need for research funding.

The fight against ALS just gained one of its most determined champions.