Young Artist’s Struggle with ALS Revealed in Touching Video

A poignant video has surfaced, showcasing the subtle early signs of motor neurone disease in a young man who was only 32. Eric Brunner, hailing from Philadelphia, was running up to three miles daily at the start of his symptoms in 2020.

However, within a few months, the once-vibrant artist, now 38, received the heavy diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a prevalent form of motor neurone disease. This muscle-debilitating illness is unfortunately incurable, progressively limiting a person’s ability to move, speak, and even eat.

Notably, ALS has taken the lives of others, including Bryan Randall, Sandra Bullock’s partner, in 2023, and the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, who also battled the disease.

In a recent Instagram video, shared by his wife Allie, Eric is seen struggling with a workout move, his lack of coordination evident as they both share a laugh. This clip, filmed just weeks before his diagnosis, highlights the first signs of his battle with ALS.

In the video, which has garnered over 2.4 million views, Allie remarked, “I thought he was just uncoordinated in this move, not realizing he was only two months away from a terminal diagnosis.”

She later reflected, “This is what the early stages of ALS looks like. His legs were spasming, and his reflexes were so overactive that he struggled to complete the exercise.” At that point, ALS was not on their radar, and Eric had yet to fully express his concerns about his health.

In another video, which has been viewed 159,000 times, filmed earlier this month but also taken at the beginning of 2020, Allie captures Eric grappling with weights. She noted, “He doesn’t know it yet, but that weakness in his hands is the first symptom of a terminal disease with no cure.” Reflecting on their journey, she expressed longing for the days when they took their health for granted, stating, “What I wouldn’t give to go back.” She fervently wishes to raise awareness about the disease and its impact.

ALS is a rare condition that progressively damages the nervous system, with early symptoms including twitches, muscle cramps, and weakness, alongside slurred speech and potential weight loss. There is currently no cure, though treatments can help manage symptoms.

Eric, diagnosed after acknowledging his hand weakness and coordination challenges, now uses a power wheelchair to assist with mobility and shares his artistic journey through digital mediums. In one heartfelt post, he conveyed the struggles of everyday life, likening it to battling something as simple as a chest cold—a stark reminder of his diminishing physical strength.

In the UK alone, around 5,000 adults have ALS, with a lifetime risk of about one in 300. Life expectancy post-diagnosis ranges significantly; for many, it can be just two to five years, though some may live longer. The exact origins of the disease remain elusive, but researchers suggest a combination of genetic, environmental, and potentially lifestyle factors contribute to its development.

Last year, Leeds Rhinos star Rob Burrow lost his battle with MND at just 41, underscoring the harsh reality many face. The condition can also lead to locked-in syndrome (LIS) in some advanced cases, adding another layer of complexity to this already challenging illness.