Emma Heming Willis feels guilty about accessing ‘resources’ as Bruce Willis struggles with dementia

Amid their husband Bruce Willis' struggle with dementia, Emma Heming Willis talks about feeling guilty about accessing "resources." " Although I have the opportunity to go camping to clear my head, I realize that not all care partners can do that," Heming Willis, 45, wrote in an article for Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper published Saturday, Nov. 11. " In saying that my story of our family is getting media attention, I realize that there are many thousands of untold, unheard stories, each deserving of compassion and care." Recognizing her privilege, Heming Willis said it is "important" to her to be an "advocate" for those who "don't have the time, energy or resources to advocate for themselves." The entrepreneur said she continues to speak openly about her struggles to help others "feel seen and understood." According to the entrepreneur, hope is "everything" regarding family illness. " I have a lot more hope today than I did after Bruce was first diagnosed," she shared. " I have a better understanding of this disease now, and I am now connected to an incredible community of support. I hope I've found a new purpose I would never have sought - to use the spotlight to help and support others." The news that Willis was stepping aside as he struggles with aphasia was revealed in March 2022 by Heming Willis and Willis' ex-wife, Demi Moore. And earlier this year, the family said that the actor had been given a "more specific diagnosis" of frontotemporal dementia. " There are currently no treatments for this disease, and we hope that this reality will change in the coming years," they wrote on their Instagram in February. Recently, Heming Willis, who shares daughters Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 9, with the "Die Hard" star, has often been candid about her ups and downs as she continues to help her husband through his health struggles. Participating in the September edition of the Today program as part of World Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week, she revealed that it is both a "blessing and a curse" to have more clarity about Willis' medical condition. " It doesn't lessen the pain, but just accepting and realizing what's going on with Bruce makes it a little bit easier," she shared. After her appearance on the Today show, Bruce's daughters - Tallulah Willis, 29, and Scout Willis, 32 - took to social media to praise their stepmother for her strength. ( Married to Moore, 61, Bruce shares daughters Tallulah, Scout, and Rumer Willis, 35. They were married for over a decade before they split in 2000). " Truly, I couldn't be more proud of @emmahemingwillis for being willing to go public (even though it's scary!!!) to share our family's story in the interest of raising awareness for FTD," Scout shared on her Instagram Story at the time. " You, Emma, are such an advocate for this cause and inspire me every day." The unwavering support helps the family endure, as a source told Us Weekly magazine in April 2022, noting that Bruce is "blessed to have them around." "They're all together, and that's the most important thing." Meanwhile, Heming Willis wrote in her Sunday Paper article that she hopes she and her loved ones will continue to find "joy in the little things" and "come together to celebrate all the moments life has to offer" despite the difficult days.