John Driskell HopkinsWe just shared “tough news”
The bass player for the Zac Brown Band, announced he has been diagnosed with ALS. Hopkins shared the news in a video posted to the country music group’s official YouTube channel on May 20.
He shared that he noticed balance problems and stiffness in his hands over the years. After careful examination by top neurologists in the country, I was diagnosed with ALS.
Lou Gehrig’s disease is also known as ALS. The ALS Association describes it as a neurodegenerative condition that attacks the nervous system. It causes weakness in muscles and limits the ability to perform physical functions. Motor function can decrease and muscle control and speech loss may occur due to the effects of the spinal cord and brain. Life expectancy ranges from two to five year.
Hopkins at 51 is hopeful that he will be able to continue playing for his fans, even though there’s no cure.