John Driskell Hopkins sings and performs guitar for the Zac Brown Band — having fun with heart stage this summer season whereas on tour with one of many prime teams in nation music.
However behind the scenes, Hopkins has been battling ALS. He began noticing difficulties enjoying guitar again in 2019 and was identified final 12 months, simply earlier than Christmas.
Hopkins recalled to CBS Information the day he discovered the information.
"We have been crying thrice a day. I used to be similar to, 'I want to determine what this implies,'" he mentioned.
On the time, he did not even know what ALS was.
Also known as Lou Gehrig's Illness, ALS results in eventual full lack of muscle perform. Sufferers are trapped inside their very own our bodies. There isn't a identified remedy.
The devastating end result is why Hopkins' spouse Jennifer believes folks don't discuss it sufficient.
The couple has three daughters collectively, which supplies him objective. However Hopkins worries about what the analysis means for his household.
"I fear about what it means to her [Jennifer]. 'Trigger I do not wanna destroy her grownup life," he mentioned. "That is essentially the most stunning lady on the planet. She may discover anybody tomorrow. However I do not wanna burden this one."
Jennifer mentioned he and their women are her life, and that the couple is "meant to undergo this collectively" — "no matter that brings."
The powerful occasions have impressed the pair to create the charity, Hop On A Treatment, which has already raised greater than $100,000 for ALS analysis.
"I am not a scientist. I am not gonna be the one with the check tubes and the analysis. I am somebody who has a platform that may clarify, 'I can not play guitar like I used to. I may not have the ability to sing sooner or later.' And if I've a chance to unfold the phrase that method, then that is my duty," Hopkins mentioned.
Between exhibits, Hopkins has been engaged on voice banking – recording phrases and sentences for use for speaking sooner or later when he can not speak or give recommendation to his daughters.
"I, as a father, do not know what they want but and need to be there, need to impart some knowledge that I believe they'll in all probability use later," Hopkins mentioned.
He is additionally writing songs — three which are associated to what he's going by means of.
However he does not take into account his days numbered but. He's targeted on dwelling and being current together with his spouse and children, and touring with the band so long as he can.
He's additionally engaged on new music and has a brand new Christmas single scheduled to come back out subsequent month.