Zac Brown Band’s John Driskell Hopkins Reveals ALS Diagnosis

John Driskell Hopkins, founding member of the Zac Brown Band, shared devastating news with fans on social media.
In a video posted to the group’s social media, Hopkins stood among his fellow students to share the news.
“Hi guys, John Driskell Hopkins here with Zac Brown Band. I have some tough news to share and my siblings have come together to support me,” he began in the video.
“Over the past few years, I’ve noticed balance issues and some stiffness in my hands. After careful analysis by some of the best neurologists in the country, I was diagnosed with ALS. Since my symptoms have been slowly progressing since the beginning, we suspect that they will continue to progress slowly in the future. God willing, I plan to vibe with these amazing people for many years to come,” Hopkins said.
Hopkins teammate and frontman Zac Brown then thanked everyone for their support.
“Technology and research surrounding ALS treatments have advanced, but we still don’t have a cure,” Brown said. “Thank you so much for your prayers and support in helping us cure ALS.”
At the end of the video, the group shared information on how to help cure ALS.
“An important video announcement from our brother @johndriskellhopkins,” they wrote. “Let’s jump on a cure for ALS together. Text HOP to 345-345 or visit hoponacure.org to donate and learn more. @hoponacure”,
ALS, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in the United States after American baseball player Lou Gehrig developed ALS in 1938.
(Photo by R. Diamond/Getty Images)