Sabay-sabay na nagbahagi ng opisyal na pahayag sa kani-kanilang mga Instagram account ang mga anak na babae, asawa, at dating asawa ni Bruce Willis tungkol sa tunay na kalagayan ng retired 67-year-old American actor.
Kasama ang artistang si Demi Moore, ang ex-wife ni Bruce, sa mga nagpaabot ng taus-pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng mga nagmamahal at sumusuporta sa aktor.
Nagsimula ang acting career ni Bruce noong 1972, at napilitan na lamang talikuran ang entertainment industry noong 2022 dahil sa karamdaman.
Nakasaad sa pahayag ng pamilya ng veteran actor: “Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis.
“In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing."
Noong 2022 ay na-diagnose si Bruce na mayroong aphasia, isang uri ng brain disorder na nakakaapekto sa pagsasalita at pag-communicate sa ibang tao.
Ngayon daw ay mayroon nang mas specific na diagnosis sa kundisyon ng aktor: frontotemporal dementia o FTD.
“Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).
“Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.
“As a family, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for the outpouring of love and compassion for Bruce over the past ten months.
“Your generosity of spirit has been overwhelming, and we are tremendously grateful for it. For your kindness, and because we know you love Bruce as much as we do, we wanted to give you an update."
ANO ANG FTD o FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA?
Idinetalye ng pamilya ni Bruce ang FTD, at humiling silang ipalaganap ang kundisyong ito para maging aware ang maraming tao.
“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know.
“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.
“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately.
“We know in our hearts that —if he could today— he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.
“Ours is just one family with a loved one who suffers from FTD, and we encourage others facing it to seek out the wealth of information and support available through AFTD (@theaftd, theaftd.org).
"And for those of you who have been fortunate enough to not have any personal experience with FTD, we hope that you will take the time to learn about it, and support AFTD’s mission in whatever way you can."
Pagpapatuloy ng pamilya ng Hollywood actor, “Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us.
“We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.”
THE STAR THAT IS BRUCE WILLIS
Nag-umpisa ang tagumpay ni Bruce sa Hollywood nang siya ang mapili para gampanan ang karakter ni David Addison Jr. sa Moonlighting (1985-1989), ang comedy-detective series na nagbigay sa kanya ng Outstanding Lead Actor awards mula sa Emmy at Golden Globe Awards.
Nakamit ni Bruce ang action-superstar status nang magbida siya noong 1988 sa Die Hard, na itinuturing ngayon bilang one of the greatest action films ever made.
Ang commercial success ng Die Hard ang dahilan kaya nasundan pa ito ng apat na sequels: Die Hard 2 (1990), Die Hard With A Vengeance (1995), Live Free or Die Hard (2007), at A Good Day to Die Hard (2013).
Nagbida rin si Bruce sa mga blockbuster at critically acclaimed films tulad ng Pulp Fiction, The Sixth Sense, 12 Monkeys, Armaggedon, The Jackal, at Sin City.
Sa loob ng apatnapung taon ng kanyang acting career, mahigit sa isang daan na pelikula ang ginawa ni Bruce mula noong 1980 hanggang 2022.
Naging isa siya sa highest-paid actors sa Hollywood.