GRACE AND GUTS … THERE IS HOPE FOR BRUCE WILLIS AS HE FIGHTS APHASIA
As the shock of the ‘retirement’ of one of the world’s most liked actors sinks in, supporters of people wrecked by Aphasia have given some hope.
In a statement Bruce’ family told fans that he has been diagnosed with aphasia, a brain condition that affects his ability to understand language and that the Die Hard star will ending his acting career.
But does that need to be the final clanking of the door to the creativity which has kept him at the top of his proffession for half a century?
Aphasia spokeswoman Carol Dow-Richards, ARC Director, said with a sense of hope over an issue not many of us are really clear about.
Carol said: “No official diagnosis has been reported but acquired aphasia (from a stroke) DOES improve.
“There IS treatment. People should indeed seek treatment from a licensed Speech Language Pathologist.
“I believe that the CBS report stating there is “no treatment” for aphasia takes hope away from the 2.5-4 million with aphasia.
“Their report also stated there were two million in the USA with aphasia. According to the white paper published by AphasiaAccess, those numbers are likely much higher.
“There IS treatment. While there is not a cure, there is treatment!
“Aphasia is NOT rare. There are more people with aphasia than Parkison’s and muscular dystrophy. However, few Americans know what aphasia is.
“Many with acquired aphasia improve over the years.
“Those with PPA may decline over the years as it is a degenerative brain disease, very different than acquired aphasia from a stroke or brain injury.
“It is imperative that the narrative is accurate. Whether PPA or acquired aphasia, people should seek treatment from a Speech Language Pathologist.
We all appreciate the focus on aphasia. We want to be sure the narrative isn’t out of context and confusing the public or people with aphasia.
“Aphasia is a devastating diagnosis and disability. We believe that lack of public awareness creates a secondary disability for people trying to re-engage in life with aphasia. Communication is the bridge to community engagement – and education is key!
“There is hope! People with acquired aphasia can and do improve.
People with PPA and their families can benefit from therapy and education from a licensed Speech Language Pathologist to offer support strategies.”
Bruce’s acting career began in the early 1980s but he did not become a household name until later in that decade – first after starring opposite Cybill Shepherd in the ABC TV series Moonlighting and then in his 1988 performance as John McClane in the first Die Hard film.
Since then, his films including The Sixth Sense, Armageddon and Pulp Fiction have grossed more than $5bn worldwide, according to Variety. He’s been nominated for five Golden Globes, winning one for Moonlighting, and three Emmys, winning two.
Several actors and other stars offered their condolences to Willis and his family following the news.
“Grace and guts! Love to you all!” actress Jamie Lee Curtis wrote in response to Demi Moore’s post.
“Sending lots of love and healing to you all!” wrote journalist Katie Couric.
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