Emma Heming Willis has announced the creation of a new dementia research fund as her husband, Hollywood icon Bruce Willis, continues his fight with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
The announcement came Thursday night at the Hope Rising Benefit in New York, where Emma accepted the Susan Newhouse & Si Newhouse Award of Hope from The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. During her speech, she revealed the establishment of The Emma & Bruce Willis Fund for Dementia Research and Caregiver Support.
A Mission Rooted in Personal Experience
Bruce Willis, best known for his role in Die Hard, was diagnosed with FTD in 2023 after experiencing communication challenges. Since then, Emma has been candid about her journey as a caregiver, sharing the emotional and practical realities of supporting a loved one with dementia.
“This journey has opened my eyes to the realities so many families face when a loved one is living with frontotemporal dementia,” Emma said. “Through this fund, my hope is to help deepen understanding of FTD and ensure families facing it feel seen, supported, and less alone.”
Backed by the Entertainment Industry Foundation
The new fund will be overseen by the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF). According to EIF, the initiative will focus on:
- Raising awareness of FTD
- Investing in promising research
- Accelerating scientific discovery
- Supporting caregivers
Emma emphasized that Bruce has always led with generosity and heart, and she believes he would be proud to see this effort helping families across the world.
Family at the Center
Emma and Bruce married in 2009 and share two daughters, Mabel (13) and Evelyn (11). Bruce is also father to three adult daughters from his first marriage to Demi Moore. Emma has used her platform to advocate for caregivers, publishing her book The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path in 2025. Her new fund builds on that advocacy, aiming to provide tangible support for families navigating dementia.
A Legacy of Hope
The launch of The Emma & Bruce Willis Fund marks a significant step in raising awareness about frontotemporal dementia, a condition that affects thousands worldwide but remains lesser known than Alzheimer’s. By combining research investment with caregiver support, the initiative seeks to make a lasting impact on both science and families.
