John Driskell Hopkins Health: Zac Brown Band Bassist Suffering From ALS

John Driskell Hopkins, one of the founding members of the country-rock ensemble Zac Brown Band, revealed an important update on his physical health in a video posted on their social media accounts.

Hopkins has been one of the key members of the band since 2005, when then Jacob Lawson left as the band's bassist. He also gave backing vocals for the band from 2014 to now.

John Driskell Hopkins Health Update: Bassist Suffering From ALS

In a video that the band posted on Twitter, Hopkins shares a piece of difficult news to their massive fanbase.

"I have tough news to share, and my brothers and sister have gathered to support me. Over the past several years, I've noticed some balance issues and some stiffness in my hands. After careful analysis by some of the country's top neurologists, I have been diagnosed with ALS," Hopkins said.

 The 51-year-old bassist revealed that his symptoms have been "slowly progressing" from the start, but they expect it to progress going forward to their assessment.

"God willing, I plan to be rocking with these amazing people for many years to come," the bassist promised.

The band's leader, Zach Brown, finished the minute-long announcement - highlighting that the technology and research around ALS treatments have been advancing, yet the medical field is short on a cure.

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ALS, medically known as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a disease that targets the human nervous system - weakening the muscle system and limiting physical function. (via The Mayo Clinic)

Per the website, ALS is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing the person to lose control of the muscle function.

Causes for the disease are still unknown to date, while symptoms vary from case to case. However, a common symptom is muscle weakness that tends to worsen over time. There is still no known medical cure for the disease, but treatments are ongoing.

The band is also raising awareness for the said disease through supporting HopOnACure.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting ALS research.

Fans can purchase the $35 posted on the band's official website. Proceeds from the benefit will go directly to the foundation to further identify and understand the cellular mechanisms and risk factors of ALS.

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