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Rebecca Gayheart Urges Support for ACT for ALS Bill After Eric Danes Death
On the anniversary of the loss of a beloved actor, Rebecca Gayheart has turned her personal grief into a public call to action. Yesterday, the former wife of the late Eric Dane posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, urging her followers to sign a petition that could unlock $500 million in federal funding for ALS research and patient support. The post came two weeks after the House of Representatives approved the ACT for ALS bill, a measure that still awaits Senate approval and the President’s signature.
In the post, Gayheart reminded viewers of Dane’s tireless work with the I Am ALS nonprofit. “He worked hard to raise awareness for the ACT for ALS Bill, which could provide $500 million for ALS research, treatment access and hope for families battling this disease,” she wrote. She added that the petition deadline was Sunday and urged people not to let Congress stall the bill’s passage. The message was posted on Friday, September 11, 2026, the day before the deadline, and was shared by dozens of followers who echoed her plea.
Eric Dane, best known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, died on February 19, 2026, at 53, after a year-long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A statement released by the actor’s family to Us newspaper described his passing as a “courageous battle” and noted that he was surrounded by friends, his wife and two daughters, Billie and Georgia. The obituary added that “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.”
Dane’s advocacy began in earnest in 2025, when he joined the I Am ALS “Push for Progress” campaign. The nonprofit, founded by former patient Brian Wallach, has been a key partner in pushing for increased federal funding. The ACT for ALS bill, first passed by the House in July 2026, earmarks $500 million over five years for research and patient services. The legislation has been championed by the ALS Association and I Am ALS, and Dane’s public profile helped bring national attention to the cause.
The couple’s shared history adds another layer to Gayheart’s appeal. Married in 2004, the pair had two daughters before divorcing in 2018. In a posthumous interview released on Netflix shortly after Dane’s death, he reflected on their dynamic: “We’re still best friends, but we’re not together. We still love each other deeply.” He also explained that he had withdrawn his divorce petition in 2025 after his diagnosis, saying that “Rebecca was more willing to show up and do her part than I was.” The interview underscored the enduring bond between the two and their joint commitment to their children.
The petition campaign remains active as of September 12, 2026. While the House has approved the bill, it still awaits Senate approval and the President’s signature. Gayheart’s message stresses that the bill’s passage would “mean the world to my family,” highlighting the personal stakes involved. In the broader entertainment community, Dane’s death has sparked tributes from colleagues and fans alike. His advocacy work has been cited as a catalyst for increased public attention to ALS, and the I Am ALS organization has reported a surge in petition signatures following his passing.
At this juncture, the ACT for ALS bill is pending final legislative action, the petition deadline is fast approaching, and Gayheart continues to mobilize supporters. The outcome will determine whether the $500 million funding package becomes law and whether the promise of new research and treatment avenues materializes for the roughly 20,000 Americans living with ALS.
In the post, Gayheart reminded viewers of Dane’s tireless work with the I Am ALS nonprofit. “He worked hard to raise awareness for the ACT for ALS Bill, which could provide $500 million for ALS research, treatment access and hope for families battling this disease,” she wrote. She added that the petition deadline was Sunday and urged people not to let Congress stall the bill’s passage. The message was posted on Friday, September 11, 2026, the day before the deadline, and was shared by dozens of followers who echoed her plea.
Eric Dane, best known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, died on February 19, 2026, at 53, after a year-long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A statement released by the actor’s family to Us newspaper described his passing as a “courageous battle” and noted that he was surrounded by friends, his wife and two daughters, Billie and Georgia. The obituary added that “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.”
Dane’s advocacy began in earnest in 2025, when he joined the I Am ALS “Push for Progress” campaign. The nonprofit, founded by former patient Brian Wallach, has been a key partner in pushing for increased federal funding. The ACT for ALS bill, first passed by the House in July 2026, earmarks $500 million over five years for research and patient services. The legislation has been championed by the ALS Association and I Am ALS, and Dane’s public profile helped bring national attention to the cause.
The couple’s shared history adds another layer to Gayheart’s appeal. Married in 2004, the pair had two daughters before divorcing in 2018. In a posthumous interview released on Netflix shortly after Dane’s death, he reflected on their dynamic: “We’re still best friends, but we’re not together. We still love each other deeply.” He also explained that he had withdrawn his divorce petition in 2025 after his diagnosis, saying that “Rebecca was more willing to show up and do her part than I was.” The interview underscored the enduring bond between the two and their joint commitment to their children.
The petition campaign remains active as of September 12, 2026. While the House has approved the bill, it still awaits Senate approval and the President’s signature. Gayheart’s message stresses that the bill’s passage would “mean the world to my family,” highlighting the personal stakes involved. In the broader entertainment community, Dane’s death has sparked tributes from colleagues and fans alike. His advocacy work has been cited as a catalyst for increased public attention to ALS, and the I Am ALS organization has reported a surge in petition signatures following his passing.
At this juncture, the ACT for ALS bill is pending final legislative action, the petition deadline is fast approaching, and Gayheart continues to mobilize supporters. The outcome will determine whether the $500 million funding package becomes law and whether the promise of new research and treatment avenues materializes for the roughly 20,000 Americans living with ALS.
