How Eric Dane gave his final months to 'moving the needle' on ALS

BBC World

February 20, 2026

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Eric Dane, the beloved actor known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on *Grey's Anatomy*, passed away after a ten-month battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare, incurable neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive muscle paralysis and ultimately leads to loss of speech, movement, and breathing capabilities. During his final months, Dane tirelessly campaigned to raise awareness and funds for ALS research, emphasizing the importance of "moving the needle" toward finding a cure. His efforts included launching a three-year campaign aiming to secure $1 billion in federal funding for ALS research and joining the board of directors at Target ALS, where he helped surpass a $500,000 fundraising target. ALS is a challenging disease to combat due to its rarity and complex nature. It affects approximately 30,000 people in the U.S., with no single cause identified, making research difficult and slow. Clinical trials face significant hurdles, including rapid disease progression and limited patient participation. Despite these challenges, Dane used his platform to highlight the struggles of living with ALS, even appearing in an episode of *Brilliant Minds* as a firefighter grappling with the diagnosis. His goal was not only to raise awareness but also to inspire action, stating that his life no longer felt about himself alone. Dane's condition deteriorated rapidly, and he faced significant physical challenges, including losing use of his arms and difficulty speaking. Yet, he remained committed to his advocacy until his death. His co-star Patrick Dempsey described how Dane's quality of life had declined significantly in the final months, with him being bedridden and unable to swallow or speak fully. Despite these struggles, Dane's impact on ALS awareness and research was profound. Dane's story is a testament to the power of individual advocacy in the face of disease. His efforts not only raised millions for research but also brought global attention to ALS, encouraging greater funding and collaboration in the search for treatments and cures. His journey highlights the importance of early diagnosis, public awareness, and the need for continued investment in medical research. For readers interested in global health and the fight against incurable diseases

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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026