Emma Heming Willis is sharing the lessons she has learned amid Bruce Willis' health struggles.
The model recently reflected on the ups and downs she has faced since she and the rest of the Die Hard actor's family announced his diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia, which can cause communication difficulties.
"I struggle with guilt, knowing that I have resources that others don't," Emma wrote in an article for Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper published on Nov. 11. "When I'm able to get out for a hike to clear my head, it's not lost on me that not all care partners can do that. When what I share about our family's journey gets press attention, I know that there are many thousands of untold, unheard stories, each of them deserving of compassion and concern."
Despite feeling guilty at times, Emma—who shares daughters Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 9, with Bruce—said she knows she has become a voice for others.
"I see that what I share matters to others who may be struggling, and in a small way makes them feel seen and understood," Emma acknowledged. "I want people to know that when I hear from another family affected by FTD, I hear our family's same story of grief, loss, and immense sadness echoed in theirs."
"It's important to me to be an advocate on behalf of those families," the 45-year-old continued, "who don't have the time, energy, or resources to advocate for themselves."
Emma went on to detail an important lesson with the readers: "Hope is everything."
"I have so much more hope today than I did after Bruce was first diagnosed," she confessed. "I understand this disease more now, and I'm now connected to an incredible community of support. I have hope in having found a new purpose—admittedly one I never would have gone looking for—using the spotlight to help and empower others."
And her outlook also extends to the whole family—which includes Bruce's three daughters with ex-wife Demi Moore: Rumer Willis, 35, Scout Willis, 32, and Tallulah Willis, 29.
"I have hope in how our entire family can find joy in the small things, and in coming together to celebrate all the moments life has to offer," Emma said. "I know I still have so much to learn about FTD, this community, and how research on the disease is evolving. But I'm finding my footing. As much as I grieve this experience daily—as I know so many others do—I also know that it has made me stronger than I ever thought possible."
Last week, Tallulah echoed her stepmom's sentiments, sharing why their family has been so open about Bruce's diagnosis.
"I think, on the one hand, it's who we are as a family," she said on the Nov. 8 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show. "But also, it's really important for us to spread awareness about FTD."
She added, "If we can take something that we're struggling with as a family and individually, to help other people, to turn it around, to make something beautiful about it, that's really special for us."
For a look at Bruce's family moments, keep reading.
Valentine's Day 2024
Love is a beautiful thing," the actor's wife Emma Heming Willis wrote on Instagram, almost exactly one year after his family announced his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis. "Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day."
Tallulah Willis' 30th Birthday Celebration
In February 2024, Demi Moore shared this pic of her ex-husband with the youngest of the three daughters they share together, writing, "Showering our @buuski with love today on her 30th birthday."
"Grateful and Thankful"
In November 2023, the actor celebrated his first Thanksgiving since being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia earlier that year. His wife Emma shared this photo from Bruce's 68th birthday party from March.
"I’m grateful and thankful to know this kind of love," she wrote. "Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving."
Blended Family
Bruce Willis stepped out with Emma to celebrate the release of Demi's 2019 memoir Inside Out. He is joined by his three daughters with the G.I. Jane actress, Rumer Willis, Scout Willis and Tallulah Willis.
Adventure Is Out There
Bruce and Emma appear on a hike with their daughters Evelyn Willis and Mabel Willis.
All Smiles
The actor posed with his ex-wife and their daughters Rumer and Tallulah backstage at his Comedy Central roast in 2018.
Three Generations
Bruce became a grandpa in April 2023 when Rumer welcomed a baby girl named Louetta.
Newest Addition
The entire family got together to celebrate the birth of Rumer's baby.
Backstage Buddies
Bruce had two special vistors when he starred in Broadway's Misery in 2016.
Broadway Bunch
The family showed up in full force to support Rumer's 2015 Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago.
Feeling Festive
"I put my camera on a ladder, set the timer, and crossed my fingers," Emma captioned this family Christmas photo. "Now that’s 2020 for you."
Movie Date
Bruce took his three oldest daughters to the Over the Hedge premiere in 2006.
Sweet Kisses
The dad of five shared a sweet moment with daughter Mabel.
Daddy's Girls
Tallulah, Scout and Rumer joined their dad at a Bruce Willis Charity Foundation in 2005.
Dancing With the Fam
The family celebrated Rumer's Dancing With the Stars win with Val Chmerkovskiy.
Polaroid Memories
"What a privilege it is every day to be your daughter," Rumer captioned this throwback photo. "I love you so much. You are the coolest cat in town."
A Birthday to Remember
Emma rang in her 43rd birthday in 2021 with Bruce and their daughters, as well as Rumer and Demi.
'Tis the Season
The family spent Christmas 2022 together.
Star Status
Bruce was joined by mom Marlene and his three oldest daughters when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.
Happy Haunts
The action star dressed up with Mabel and Evelyn on Halloween 2021.
Getting Silly
Tallulah jokingly captioned this photo of herself and dad Bruce making silly faces, "high drama club."
Snow Squad
Evelyn and Mabel hit the slopes during a family ski trip.
Gang's All Here
The family, including Demi's then-husband Ashton Kutcher, stepped out to watch Rumer in 2008's The House Bunny.
Disney Magic
Bruce and Emma took their kids to Walt Disney World in 2017.
Proud Parents
"First time performing in a play for these two!" Emma wrote on Instagram 2018. "Mabel played Molly and Evelyn as Sandy in an Off-off-off-off-off-off Broadway [winking emoji] production of Annie. The whole cast and production was stellar—Mom and Dad couldn’t be prouder."