Why Bruce Willis' Wife Emma Struggles w_ Guilt Amid Dementia Battle

Transcript

00:00 Bruce Willis's wife, Emma Hemming Willis, is getting candid about the actor's battle with frontotemporal dementia.

00:06 In the most recent issue of Maria Shriver's Sunday paper,

00:10 Emma shared an update on how the family is doing and got honest about her own journey.

00:16 "I struggle with guilt knowing that I have resources that others don't.

00:20 When I'm able to get out for a hike to clear my head, it's not lost on me that not all care partners can do that.

00:27 When what I share about our family's journey gets press attention,

00:30 I know that there are many thousands of untold, unheard stories,

00:34 each of them deserving of compassion and concern," she said.

00:38 As she opened up about how they decided to speak out about Bruce's diagnosis,

00:43 Emma shared the six things that she has learned throughout the process,

00:47 including "There is strength in community. Never underestimate the power of awareness.

00:53 Research is at a pivotal moment. It's important to find the meaning in this journey.

00:58 There is power in giving back, and hope is everything."

01:01 The 45-year-old, who shares two young daughters with the diehard actor,

01:06 went on to admit how she is coping, more than a year and a half after Bruce's family shared the news

01:12 that he had health issues and was diagnosed with aphasia.

01:15 Earlier this year, they said his condition has progressed, revealing he had frontotemporal dementia.

01:21 But through it all, Emma says she's "stronger than I ever thought possible."

01:25 "I have so much more hope today than I did after Bruce was first diagnosed.

01:31 I understand this disease more now, and I'm now connected to an incredible community of support.

01:37 I have hope in having found a new purpose,

01:40 admittedly one I never would have gone looking for, using the spotlight to help and empower others.

01:46 And I have hope in how our entire family can find joy in the small things,

01:50 and in coming together to celebrate all the moments life has to offer," she pens.

01:55 She also reflected on how she has become an advocate for the FTD community,

01:59 and hopes it inspires their girls, adding,

02:02 "There is power in becoming an advocate for this community.

02:06 It's something that I want our kids to see me face out loud, working with others,

02:10 fighting through the stigma and isolation that a disease like this can bring."

02:14 In August 2023, Emma used her platform to encourage other care partners,

02:20 by being vulnerable and raw about how she tries to take care of herself

02:24 with so much going on in her life.

02:27 "I don't want it to be misconstrued that,

02:30 like I'm good, because I'm not. I'm not good. But I have to put my best foot forward

02:39 for the sake of myself and my family, because, again, when we are not looking after ourselves,

02:46 we cannot look after anyone that we love. So it's really important. And like I said,

02:53 this is a conscious effort. It does not come to me easily. But I am just doing the best that I can,

03:00 always."

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