Fresh insights have emerged regarding the significant financial pressures faced by Eric Dane during his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as controversy swirls around a GoFundMe campaign established to support his daughters following his death.
Medical Bills Mounted During Health Ordeal
The Grey's Anatomy star, who passed away at age 53 last week, had been grappling with substantial medical expenses throughout his health struggle, according to sources close to his family. Friends initiated the fundraiser to assist his two teenage daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, after his death was confirmed in a statement to People magazine.
Fundraiser Goals Doubled Amid Backlash
The GoFundMe page, created shortly after Dane's passing, initially aimed to raise $250,000 but has since doubled its target to $500,000. At the time of reporting, donations had reached approximately $418,965, with notable contributions from Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, who donated $27,000, and television producer Brad Falchuk, who gave $10,000.
However, the campaign has faced criticism from some who questioned why a successful actor would require public financial assistance. Skeptics on social media platforms like X argued that Dane, as a multimillionaire, should have had sufficient resources or life insurance to provide for his family.
Friends and Family Defend the Campaign
In response to the backlash, a close friend of Dane, Mike McGuiness, took to Instagram to defend the fundraiser. He explained that the COVID-19 pandemic and Dane's ALS diagnosis had severely impacted the actor's work opportunities, leaving him unable to secure the financial future he had hoped for his family.
McGuiness emotionally recounted a trip to Tokyo with Dane after his diagnosis, noting how the actor faced his illness with grace and dignity. He emphasized that Dane's rapid health decline had outpaced expectations, making the fundraiser necessary to support his daughters' future needs.
Family Dynamics and Tributes
Dane is survived by his widow, Rebecca Gayheart, from whom he had separated in 2017 but never finalized a divorce. The couple called off divorce proceedings just before Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis, maintaining a close bond as they co-parented their daughters.
Gayheart posted a series of photos in tribute to Dane over the weekend, as did his girlfriend, Janell Shirtcliff. In a message on her Instagram stories, Gayheart expressed gratitude for the support shown through the GoFundMe, simply stating, 'Thank you to everyone.'
Understanding ALS and Its Impact
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle paralysis. There is currently no cure for the disease, which often results in significant medical and caregiving expenses for patients and their families.
The friends who organized the GoFundMe highlighted Dane's advocacy for the ALS community in their message, noting his commitment to helping others facing the same devastating condition. They described the fundraiser as a way to provide stability for his daughters during this difficult time and in the years ahead.
