Emma Heming Celebrates Bruce Willis’ Birthday With A Touching Tribute Following His Dementia Diagnosis

Emma Heming Willis shared an emotional update with fans on Sunday as she celebrated Bruce Willis’ birthday.

The ‘Die Hard’ actor was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia last month after battling aphasia.

Heming told her Instagram followers that she dealt with “sadness” and “grief” every day, but was particularly overcome with emotions on Bruce’s 68th birthday.

“So today is my husband’s birthday,” Emma said. “I started the morning crying, as you can tell by my swollen eyes and snotty nose.”

BRUCE WILLIS DIAGNOSED WITH FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA FOLLOWING A BATTLE OF APHASIA, FAMILY SAYS

“I just think it’s important that you see every aspect of it. I always get this message, or people always say to me, ‘Oh, you’re so strong. I don’t know how you do. I do not have a choice. I wish I was, but I’m also raising two kids in this.”

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Bruce and Emma have two children together, daughters Mabel and Evelyn.

He has three daughters with his ex-wife Demi Moore: Rumer, Scout and Tallulah

“So sometimes in our lives we have to put on our big girl panties and make it happen, and that’s what I do,” Emma said. “But I have moments of sadness every day, heartbreak every day…and I really feel it today on his birthday.”

“So I worked on this reel that I’m posting for my husband’s birthday. I don’t know why I’m doing this to myself because the videos are like a knife to my heart.”

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She added, “Even though I’m doing it for me, I’m doing it for you, because I know how much you love my husband and – don’t cry Emma – but it means so much to me, so thank you.”

Willis’ family announced in February that his condition had progressed to frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Bruce celebrated the holidays with his ex Demi Moore and his wife Emma, ​​in addition to all of their children. (Demi Moore’s Instagram)

FTD is “the result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain,” according to the National Institute on Aging. “Many possible symptoms can result, including unusual behaviors, emotional problems, communication problems, difficulty at work or difficulty walking.”

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The family shared more information about the “cruel disease” in a statement posted on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) website.

“For people under the age of 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and since getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is probably much more common than we know. Today, there is no cure for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years to come,” the statement read.

Bruce Willis and Demi Moore divorced over 20 years ago, but have remained close. (From LR) Rumer, Demi, Bruce, Scout, Emma and Tallulah attend Demi’s “Inside Out” book party in September 2019. (Stefanie Keenan)

Bruce and Emma have been married since 2009 and have two daughters. (Theo Wargo)

“Bruce has always believed in using his voice in the world to help others and to raise public and private awareness of important issues. We know in our hearts that – if he could today – he would respond by bringing global attention and a connection to those who also struggle with this debilitating disease and its impact on so many people and their families.”

In March 2022, the family announced that Willis would be retiring after being diagnosed with aphasia. The disorder affects communication, including the ability to understand verbal cues and written words.

According to the National Aphasia Association, the disorder affects 2 million Americans, with nearly 180,000 diagnosed with the disorder each year.

Willis is expected to become a grandfather soon. In December, her eldest daughter, Rumer, announced that she is pregnant with her first child.

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