Eric Dane abruptly pulled out of an ALS event just weeks before he died at age 53.

The “Grey’s Anatomy” alum was supposed to attend the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala to receive the Advocate of the Year award on Saturday, Jan. 24.

But Dane was not “well enough to attend” the event “due to the physical realities of ALS.”

A spokesperson for the ALS Network told People at the time that they were “deeply grateful” for Dane’s “courage, advocacy and continued commitment to the ALS community.”

The organization also promised to honor Dane at the event with “profound respect and support.”

Broadway actor Aaron Lazar, who also has ALS, accepted the award Dane’s behalf.

The ALS Network announced in September that Dane was receiving the Advocate of the Year award, crediting the “Euphoria” actor with bringing “international attention to ALS” through his “leadership and compassion.”

“This award is more than an honor — it’s a reflection of the incredible strength and courage I see in the ALS community every day,” Dane said in a statement at the time.

From the time Dane publicly announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 until his death on Thursday, he was involved in spreading awareness about the disease to help others.

“I think it’s imperative that I share my journey with as many people as I can because I don’t feel like my life is about me anymore,” he said during a virtual panel with I AM ALS in December.