Zac Brown Band multi-instrumentalist has been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The 51-year-old musician announced the news with his bandmates standing by his side in a video posted on ZBB’s social feeds.
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord as per ALS.org. “I have tough news to share,” Hopkins stated. “Over the past several years, I’ve noticed some balance issues and some stiffness in my hands. After careful analysis by some of the country’s top neurologists, I’ve been diagnosed with ALS. Because my symptoms have been slow progressing from the start, we believe they will continue to be slow progressing going forward. God willing, I plan to be rocking with these amazing people for many years to come.”
There is currently no cure for ALS. Hopkins founded the organization Hop On A Cure to raise funds for research into the disease. “Hop On A Cure is committed to supporting research to prevent, reverse, and cure ALS while raising awareness, building a compassionate community, and unleashing the healing power of hope,” reads a message on the organization’s website. Fans are urged to donate to Hop For A Cure by texting “HOP” to 345-345.
Watch Hopkins and his bandmates share the news below:
