John Driskell Hopkins recently announced the âtough newsâ that heâd been diagnosed with ALS. The Zac Brown Band founding member and guitarist spoke out for the first time since making the announcement during an interview on Good Morning America on Tuesday morning (May 24). Though Hopkins admitted heâs experienced anxiety like never before, he has âincredible peopleâ in his life who have eased his mind.
âI donât believe that Iâve ever truly had anxiety until this. Iâm super blessed to have this many incredible people that are lifting me up and it makes it better. It makes me feel less worried and far less anxious. Iâve sort of shaken the anxiety,â Hopkins said. Explaining his decline in motor symptoms over the past few years, the Zac Brown Band artist said: âIâm starting to slur. Right now, I feel pretty good today. But I cant jump up from the chair and run down the hallway. I would fall. Iâm wearing half my costume all night because it takes me a little longer to button things, and I cant jog down the hall after everyone else.â
The ALS Association explains that ALS â amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrigâs disease â is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, impacting the brain and spinal cordâs nerve cells.Â
Hopkins, 51, announced his diagnosis on Friday (May 20), recalling that heâs noticed âsome balance issues and some stiffness in my handsâ over the course of several years. He added that experts believe his symptoms will continue to progress slowly, and pledged, âGod willing, I plan to be rocking with these amazing people for many years to come.â
Hopkins reiterated that sentiment on Good Morning America on Tuesday morning, saying that music would still define his life: âIf I canât pick up a guitar, then maybe I can program one. I don't think music will ever not be a part of my life. Even if itâs just making a mix tape, you know, Iâll make a mix tape (or) do a YouTube playlist,â he said with a laugh.
âThereâs a lot of hope in this and thereâs a lot of wonderful technology on the horizon,â he said. âAmazing things happening all over the country and all over the world to eradicate this and to heal motor neurons.â
Zac Brown Band shared ways for fans to donate to ALS research or to learn more information when the group shared Hopkinsâ announcement: text HOP to 345-345 or visit hoponacure.org.
Watch Hopkinsâ Good Morning America interview here: