Eric Dane Partners with I AM ALS for a Groundbreaking Campaign
Actor Eric Dane has joined forces with I AM ALS, a community-driven advocacy group focused on raising awareness and funding for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Together, they have kicked off the "Push for Progress" campaign. This initiative aims to significantly accelerate research into ALS, improve accessibility to treatments, and secure a staggering $1 billion in federal funding over the next three years.
ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative condition that results in the gradual loss of the ability to move, communicate, eat, and breathe. With a life expectancy of just two to four years post-diagnosis, the urgency for increased funding and research is paramount. Eric Dane himself announced his diagnosis with ALS in April 2025, bringing additional visibility to the plight of those suffering from this disease.
Dane expressed deep frustration with the historical stagnation of ALS treatment options, saying, "For over a century, ALS has been incurable, and we're done accepting the status quo. We need the fastest path to a cure, which is why I've partnered with I AM ALS and their Push for Progress campaign."
Since its inception in 2019, I AM ALS has made significant strides in advocating for ALS research, having secured over $1.2 billion in funding. Additionally, the organization has passed transformative legislation such as the ACT for ALS, which created pathways for patients to receive treatment when previously unavailable options existed.
One of the key objectives of the Push for Progress campaign is the renewal of the ACT for ALS, which is set to expire in 2026. By ensuring the continuation of this legislation, the campaign aims to protect access to emerging treatments for countless individuals living with ALS and sustain the momentum built in ALS research.
Campaign Goals
The Push for Progress campaign aspires to achieve the following objectives over the next three years:
1.
Accelerate Research: The campaign plans to secure the largest amount of ALS funding in history while protecting critical infrastructure necessary for ongoing research.
2.
Expand Access: It aims to increase the availability of promising therapies to individuals currently battling ALS, thereby improving their quality of life.
3.
Build Momentum: An essential part of the campaign is to create unstoppable momentum towards discovering a cure for ALS.
Andrea Goodman, the CEO of I AM ALS, emphasized the pressing need for more funding in the ALS sector, stating, "ALS is not untreatable; it's underfunded. Cases are on the rise, but we are nearing breakthroughs. We're incredibly grateful for Eric Dane's partnership and commitment to Push for Progress. We aim to raise awareness about the urgency of this disease and continue to instill hope in those affected by ALS."
The Push for Progress campaign has garnered support from several organizations, allowing it to kickstart its mission effectively. Interested individuals can join this important movement by visiting
www.iamals.org/progress to learn more.
About I AM ALS
I AM ALS is a nonprofit organization recognized for leading one of the most impactful patient advocacy campaigns of the century. Their mission encompasses three main objectives:
- - Advocating for federal policy changes to drive research and support for ALS.
- - Improving the quality of life for individuals affected by ALS by offering volunteer and support opportunities.
- - Mobilizing advocates to raise awareness about ALS and similar neurodegenerative conditions while increasing visibility about the ALS experience.
By collaborating with I AM ALS, Eric Dane aims to shine a light on the urgent need for ALS research, treatment options, and better understanding of the disease, thus providing hope to those affected and their families.