John Driskell Hopkins, a founding member of the Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band, has been bravely battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, since his diagnosis in 2021. In a recent interview, Hopkins revealed a critical detail of his health journey: he faced misdiagnosis from two neurologists before finally receiving the correct diagnosis of ALS. This experience underscores the challenges in diagnosing ALS and highlights Hopkins’ dedication to raising awareness and funding for research through his foundation, Hop On A Cure.
Early Symptoms Dismissed: The Road to ALS Diagnosis
Hopkins first noticed something was amiss as early as 2019. He recounted telling his bandmates about changes he was experiencing in his hands, specifically noting that his bluegrass playing hand was slowing down while the other remained unaffected. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and during smaller performances, he observed subtle changes, but it wasn’t until the Zac Brown Band resumed touring in the fall of 2021 that the symptoms became undeniable.
“It was more like, I was laughing on stage, and my legs were locking up, you know, that kind of thing,” Hopkins shared. He described how emotional reactions would trigger physical tension and other concerning symptoms. Initially, one theory suggested his symptoms might be a side effect of cholesterol medication. Another neurologist proposed a potential head injury, despite Hopkins’ recollection of only minor head bumps that didn’t seem severe enough to cause such issues. It was only after consulting a third neurologist that he finally received the accurate and life-altering diagnosis of ALS. This delay in diagnosis is a common experience for many ALS patients, making early detection and expert neurological evaluation crucial.
Living with ALS: Voice, Balance, and a Positive Outlook
Despite the challenges posed by ALS, Hopkins maintains a remarkably positive attitude. He acknowledges the disease’s impact, noting that his voice and balance have been affected. He also experiences reduced dexterity in his fingers. However, he emphasizes that his ALS is progressing “very slowly and very evenly,” allowing him to continue performing with the Zac Brown Band.
When asked about his overall feeling, Hopkins humorously responded, “Crap!” before elaborating on the daily mental effort required to “continue to work on keeping a positive attitude and not let the demons creep in.” His ability to find humor amidst adversity and his commitment to a positive mindset are testaments to his resilience in the face of ALS. On the day of the interview, he shared he was feeling “pretty good” and had been singing, demonstrating his ongoing dedication to his music despite the disease’s effects on his vocal abilities.
Continuing to Tour and Inspire
Hopkins’ commitment to his music remains unwavering. He is currently touring with the Zac Brown Band, participating in rehearsals and performances. He jokingly remarked about his continued presence on stage, “The minute everyone’s like, ‘Uh, dude, you need to kinda hold it back,’ I will step away, but, you know, I’m so incredibly good-looking, they have to have me on stage.” This lighthearted approach to his condition, combined with his dedication to his craft, inspires fans and fellow musicians alike.
Hop On A Cure: A Foundation Born from Purpose
Six months after receiving his ALS diagnosis, Hopkins launched Hop On A Cure in May 2022. This nonprofit foundation is dedicated to funding research for ALS and related motor neuron diseases, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. Hopkins explained his motivation, stating, “The answer is in the research, and we want to fix it.” His goal for Hop On A Cure is ambitious yet clear: “to cure ALS.”
He passionately believes that ALS is not incurable but rather underfunded. He emphasizes the importance of communication and diverse research approaches, encompassing both Western and Eastern treatments, to combat the various facets of motor neuron diseases. Hopkins envisions Hop On A Cure playing a crucial role in bridging the gap in ALS research funding and ultimately finding a cure.
Family Support and Facing the Future
Navigating an ALS diagnosis is not only a personal battle but also a family journey. Hopkins, married to his wife Jennifer for nearly 16 years with three young daughters, described talking to his children about his diagnosis as one of the “trickiest parts.” He and Jennifer openly discussed the potential outcomes with their daughters, addressing their questions about the severity of ALS.
While acknowledging the 100% fatal nature of ALS and the varying progression rates, Hopkins emphasized focusing on the present and striving for positive outcomes. He shared that his daughters responded to the news of Hop On A Cure with enthusiasm, becoming “excited about helping people” and offering unwavering support to their father. John Driskell Hopkins’ story is one of resilience, advocacy, and hope in the face of ALS. His openness about his misdiagnosis and ongoing journey serves to educate and inspire, driving crucial awareness and funding for ALS research through Hop On A Cure.
