Murk Ruffalo is no stranger to life’s struggles.
But did you know about his battle with a brain tumor?
His inspiring journey of facing a health crisis while keeping it a secret from his wife is a story worth telling.
The Revelation of a Brain Tumor
Late in June 2001, Ruffalo had a rather disturbing dream. It was not typical, nor was it a voice in his head.
It was a profound knowledge that he had a brain tumor and needed immediate attention. Driven by this intense dream, Ruffalo, then 33, sought medical help.
Ruffalo on his dream: “It wasn’t like any other dream I’d ever had. It was just like, ‘You have a brain tumor.’ It was just pure knowledge, ‘You have a brain tumor, and you have to deal with it immediately.'”
A Shocking Diagnosis
The only symptom plaguing Ruffalo at the time was a persistent ear infection.
When he explained his dream to his doctor and requested a CAT scan, the result was a grim revelation.
The scan showed a mass the size of a golf ball behind his ear. A biopsy later confirmed the mass as an acoustic neuroma, a noncancerous tumor that affects hearing and balance.
Keeping His Wife in the Dark
Ruffalo had been married to Sunrise Coigney for only a year and they were expecting their first child, Keen. He decided to keep his diagnosis a secret from his wife, fearing the potential stress it could cause.
Ruffalo on not telling his wife: “I didn’t tell her for two weeks as she was pregnant with their first son Keen.”
Facing the Possibility of Death
When he finally revealed his condition to Coigney, she was initially confused, thinking it was a poor attempt at humor.
The reality, however, soon dawned on her.
She burst into tears and admitted that she had always feared he would die young.
The surgery to remove the tumor came with a 20% chance of accidental nerve damage, potentially leaving the left side of his face without expression.
Additionally, there was a 70% chance of hearing loss in that ear.
Life Post-Surgery
Ruffalo did lose his hearing in the left ear, and he woke up from the surgery with the left side of his face completely paralyzed.
This paralysis eventually subsided after a year, but the hearing loss is permanent.
Ruffalo on post-surgery life: “[I am] completely deaf in one ear, and when I woke up, the left side of my face was totally paralyzed.”
A Father’s Wish
Despite the risks and struggles, Ruffalo’s primary concern was to be there for his children. He was ready to sacrifice his hearing for the ability to express himself and be a father to his kids.
Ruffalo’s thoughts before surgery: “Take my hearing, but let me keep the face and just let me be the father to these kids.”
His journey is an inspiring tale of resilience and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Opening Up About His Journey
Ruffalo shared his incredible story on the SmartLess podcast, hosted by Sean Haynes, Jason Bateman, and Will Arnett.
His candid conversation sheds light on his journey and the strength he displayed throughout.
A Marvelous Career
Despite his health struggles, Ruffalo has had an illustrious career, with four Oscar nominations to his name.
His ability to deliver compelling performances, despite personal adversity, makes him one of the most recognizable actors of his generation.
The Takeaway
His determination and courage in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to his fans.
Despite the odds, he chose life, love, and the pursuit of his passion.
His story is a reminder that we can triumph over adversity and live to tell the tale.