Eric Dane Receives 24/7 Nursing Care Amid ALS Battle as Ex Rebecca Gayheart Steps In to Help
Eric Dane is receiving round-the-clock medical care as he continues his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and his ex-wife, Rebecca Gayheart, is playing a critical role in making sure he gets the support he needs.
Rebecca Gayheart Fights for Full-Time Care
In a deeply personal essay written for The Cut, Gayheart, 54, opened up about navigating the healthcare system to secure proper treatment for her former husband. Despite their separation in 2018, the Jawbreaker actress revealed that she has taken on much of the responsibility for managing Dane’s medical care.
“Eric has 24/7 nurses now,” Gayheart wrote, explaining that it took persistence — and multiple appeals — to make that happen.
Insurance Battles Behind the Scenes
Gayheart described the grueling process of dealing with insurance providers, noting how difficult it was to get approval for home nursing care.
“Just figuring out the healthcare system is its own thing,” she explained.
“They deny you, you appeal, and then you apply again.”
At one point, Gayheart recalled being bluntly told by an insurance representative that her requests would continue to be denied — a moment that fueled her determination.
“I made it my mission,” she wrote.
“I locked it in.”
After two appeals, the care was finally approved.
Eric Dane’s ALS Diagnosis
Dane publicly revealed to pepole in April that he had been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease a progressive neurological condition that attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord.
According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS gradually affects a person’s ability to walk, speak, eat, and breathe independently. While treatments can slow the disease’s progression, there is currently no cure.
Rebecca Gayheart Covers Nursing Shifts When Needed
Gayheart shared that Dane’s care schedule is divided into 21 nursing shifts, and when coverage falls through, she often steps in herself.
“There are times shifts aren’t covered, so I cover them,” she explained.
Balancing caregiving with parenting their two daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13 can be overwhelming. In one recent instance, Gayheart was only able to cover part of a 12-hour shift due to her children’s commitments.
Friends Step Up in Critical Moments
When she couldn’t fill the gap, Gayheart turned to Dane’s friends for help — including one who had never cared for him in that capacity before.
“I couldn’t believe I had to ask,” she admitted.
To her relief, both friends immediately showed up and provided meaningful support.
“They did a wonderful job,” she said.
When Support Fades and Acceptance Sets In
Not everyone has been able to show up during this difficult chapter, Gayheart acknowledged. Some people who were once close have drifted away — a reality she’s processed in therapy.
“Most people are not great in situations like this because it’s so heavy,” she explained.
Despite the disappointment, Gayheart says she holds no resentment.
“I don’t hold any grudges toward anyone who hasn’t shown up.”
A Complicated Relationship Rooted in Care
Though she previously described her relationship with Dane as “super complicated,” Gayheart’s actions underscore a deep commitment to compassion, family, and dignity — even amid heartbreak and hardship.
As Eric Dane continues his fight against ALS, his ex-wife remains a steadfast presence, ensuring he receives the care, advocacy, and humanity he deserves.