“He’s been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease,” the Sweet Home Alabama actor continued. “He’s such a wonderful human being. He has such a great sense of humor, and he’s so intelligent. I’ve always enjoyed working and being around Eric.”
Noting Eric’s relationships with his ex Rebecca Gayheart and their daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, Patrick added, “It’s heartbreaking. It really is. For him and for his family. You feel for them when you see this terrible disease and how quickly it attacks the body. But he’s bringing a lot of light to that, and he’s using his platform in a positive way.”
Indeed, since Eric revealed his ALS diagnosis in April, he has emphasized why it’s “imperative” that he share his journey with others, sharing last month, “I don't feel like my life is about me anymore.”
"I would love my life to be all about me, but I just can't," the 53-year-old said during a virtual panel hosted by the nonprofit I AM ALS. "I don't think I would be able to move forward if that were the case. It's been a propulsive sort of component to my existence."
Eric concluded, “I want to make sure that people are aware of what ALS is and what it's about, and more importantly, what we can do to combat it and improve the landscape.”
Read on for a closer look at the details of Eric’s battle with ALS.
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