Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming receives bittersweet news amid her husband's health battle

Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming recently received bittersweet news about her husband's ongoing health battle.

The former model is expected to be honored with the prestigious Susan Newhouse & Si Newhouse Award of Hope. This award, presented by the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), recognizes Emma's outstanding contribution to raising awareness of Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), the very disease that Bruce is now bravely battling.

The award will be presented on April 3, 2025 at the 9th Annual Hope Rising Benefit at the elegant Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. Reflecting on her nomination, Emma said: “I am honored to have been chosen for this award on behalf of our family and all families struggling with this unfriendly disease,” she said, adding poignantly: ” We disclosed Bruce's diagnosis to raise global awareness of the urgent need for an FTD diagnosis, treatment and cure. My goal now and always is to provide hope and support for FTD caregivers and patients.”

It's clear that this honor is much more than an award for Emma – it is a beacon of hope for all families facing similar issues and sheds light on an illness that is as challenging as it is misunderstood.

Donald Newhouse, whose own family has felt the profound impact of FTD, praised Emma's commitment, saying: “Emma has taken adversity and turned it into a source of hope for families across the country,” bringing FTD to global attention and the families affected by it. And she did it all with grace, empathy and compassion.”

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Since Bruce's FTD diagnosis became public in February 2023, Emma has worked tirelessly to raise awareness.

She has shared updates on social media, attended advocacy events, and even met with legislators in New York and California to advocate for more funding and resources for FTD patients and caregivers.

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Their efforts have brought comfort to countless families, reduced the stigma that often surrounds dementia, and shown that they are not alone in their struggle.

Bruce is the proud father of five daughters: Mabel Ray, 12, and Evelyn, 10, whom he shares with his wife Emma Heming Willis, 46; and Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 30, from his previous marriage to actress Demi Moore, 61.

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Throughout their journey, Bruce's family was a source of unity and strength. His ex-wife Demi Moore, who was married to Bruce from 1987 to 2000, offered insight into how the family is coping with this new reality.

“What I tell my kids is that you meet them where they are,” Demi shared on The Drew Barrymore Show, emphasizing the importance of accepting Bruce for who he is now. “There's so much beauty and joy and love and sweetness… you don't hold on to who they were or what you want them to be, but who they are in that moment.” Demi's words resonated with fans and brought the The grace with which the Willis-Moore family navigated Bruce's journey.

Her eldest daughter Rumer was particularly open about the family's experiences. In August, she shared a touching photo of herself holding her father's hand on Instagram with the simple caption: “He's amazing. I love him so much.” Her words captured the warmth and resilience that define their bond. In an interview in May, Rumer recounted a sweet moment between Bruce and their baby daughter Louetta, describing her father as a “girl's dad” who finds pure joy in being a grandfather.

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Since announcing Bruce's diagnosis, the Willis family has continued tirelessly in their mission to raise awareness of aphasia and FTD. Rumer shared, “Our vulnerability and transparency as a family about what he's going through is so important because if it can impact another family… or bring more attention to the disease in hopes of finding a cure, I think that's really important.” “Her openness has encouraged other families to speak out, break down barriers and create a supportive community for those affected by FTD.

FTD is a lesser-known form of dementia and differs from Alzheimer's in that it primarily affects behavior, speech and movement rather than memory. It is a devastating disease for which there is no cure. It is characterized by changes in personality and cognitive functions. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include difficulty speaking, unusual behavior changes and difficulty moving.

Diagnosis often occurs years after symptoms first appear, a reality that has fueled Emma's advocacy – early detection and understanding can make a difference, and her voice is helping to bring these conversations into the public eye.

Emma's work has not only raised awareness but also fostered a greater understanding of the complexities of FTD, making her a powerful force for change. The award she will receive in April is a testament to the impact she has made in shining a spotlight on a disease that affects over 60,000 people in the United States alone and is often overlooked. Her devotion to Bruce, her family and the cause continues to touch countless lives.

As the AFTD Hope Rising Benefit approaches, Emma continues to focus on the families affected by FTD, a commitment that will continue beyond April. “This award is for everyone who comes into contact with FTD,” she expressed with heartfelt determination. “For every caregiver, every patient, every family who hopes for a better future.”