ALS Forces Him to Cancel Gala Appearance - Eric Dane’s ALS battle keeps him from gala, but his voice still inspires

Actor Eric Dane was due to receive the 'Advocate of the Year' award at the ALS Network’s gala in Pasadena, California. However, his worsening disease prevented him from attending the event in person. The ceremony went ahead with tributes and a recorded message from the star himself.

The ALS Network announced in September 2025 that Dane would be honoured at the Champions for Cures and Care Gala on January 24, 2026. His work raising awareness for ALS had earned him the recognition, but the disease made travel impossible.

Aaron Lazar, a fellow advocate, accepted the award on Dane’s behalf. The evening included a montage of Dane’s most memorable roles, alongside video messages from friends and colleagues offering their support. Dane contributed a pre-recorded speech, thanking the ALS Network for their efforts. He also shared his hope for future breakthroughs in the fight against the disease.

The gala celebrated Dane’s advocacy while highlighting the challenges of ALS. His recorded message and the tributes from peers kept his presence felt throughout the night. The event reinforced the ongoing push for research and support in battling the disease.