Emma Heming Willis has announced the launch of the Emma & Bruce Willis Fund for Dementia Research and Caregiver Support.
The author, 47, shared news of the charity while accepting an award at The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s Hope Rising Benefit in New York on Thursday, March 12, according to People.
The fund is “dedicated to advancing understanding of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) by raising awareness, supporting promising scientific research and strengthening support for caregivers,” the outlet reported.
While accepting the award on behalf of herself and her husband Bruce Willis, 70, Emma said the actor would want to help others on a similar path. (Bruce’s family originally revealed in March 2022 that he was diagnosed with the language disorder aphasia. They later announced that he is battling frontotemporal dementia.)
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“This journey has opened my eyes to the realities so many families face when a loved one is living with frontotemporal dementia,” Emma said. “I believe deeply in the importance of supporting research while also showing up for the caregivers who carry so much every day.”
She added, “Through this fund, my hope is to help deepen understanding of FTD and ensure families facing it feel seen, supported, and less alone. Bruce has always led with generosity and heart, and I know he would be proud to see this effort helping families facing this disease.”
After Bruce’s condition progressed following an initial diagnosis of aphasia, the Die Hard star’s family released a statement about his condition in February 2023.
“This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support,” read the statement. “We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce always says, ‘Live it up’ and together we plan to do just that.”
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Emma has often been candid about the difficulties that come with being a caregiver for Bruce. She regularly advocates for more research into dementia as well as more support for those looking after loved ones who have been diagnosed.
Speaking on the Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey – A Diane Sawyer Special in August 2025, Emma shared the reality of her partner receiving a diagnosis for a disease that has no cure.
“To leave there with no … nothing, just nothing. With a diagnosis I couldn’t pronounce. I didn’t understand what it was,” Emma said after hearing Bruce’s diagnosis. “I was so panicked. I just remember hearing it and just not hearing anything else. It was like I was free-falling.”
