Emma Heming Willis is opening up about the guilt she’s felt since her husband, Bruce Willis, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in February.
The model thinks she is lucky
In a self-written article for Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, the model shared how lucky she is as a caregiver to have access to certain doctors and medical professionals that others might not.
‘I struggle with guilt, knowing that I have resources that others don’t. 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,’ Emma wrote.
‘When what I share about our family’s journey gets press attention, I know that there are many thousands of untold, unheard stories, each of them deserving of compassion and concern,’ she continued.
‘At the same time, I see that what I share matters to others who may be struggling, and in a small way makes them feel seen and understood.’
Lessons she’s learned as a caregiver
She added, ‘I want people to know that when I hear from another family affected by FTD, I hear our family’s same story of grief, loss, and immense sadness echoed in theirs. It’s important to me to be an advocate on behalf of those families who don’t have the time, energy, or resources to advocate for themselves.’
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In the article, Emma also explained how one of the lessons she’s learned amid this ongoing journey is the importance of community.
At first, she struggled with how to come forward to the public about Bruce’s diagnosis, she said. However, once she shared the news she said she felt relieved.
