John Driskell Hopkins from Zac Brown Band has revealed he has been diagnosed with ALS after noticing some of the symptoms begin over the past few years.
He took to Instagram along with the rest of his ‘brothers and sister’ to share the news, telling their followers: ‘I have tough news to share and my brothers and sister have gathered to support me.
‘Over the past several years, I’ve noticed some balance issues and some stiffness in my hands. After careful analysis by some of the country’s top neurologists, I have been diagnosed with ALS.
‘Because my symptoms have been slow progressing form the start, we believe they will continue to be slow progressing going forward.’
John, 51, added: ‘God willing, I plan to be rocking with these amazing people for many years to come.’
ALS, also known as motor neurone disease, is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves, causing weakness that worsens over time.
There is no cure for the condition, which can significantly shorten life expectancy, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person’s daily life, with some living with the condition for many years.
Frontman Zac Brown, 43, thanked fans for their support, adding: ‘The technology and research surrounding ALS treatments has been advancing, but we still don’t have a cure. Thanks so much for your prayers and support in helping us cure ALS.’
Zac Brown Band is an American country music band from Atlanta, Georgia, consisting of eight members.
The band has won three Grammy awards including for best country album in 2013 and bet new artist in 2010.
