TEXAS — John Driskell Hopkins, a multi-instrumentalist and founding member of the Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band, revealed in a YouTube video posted on the band's official account that he has been diagnosed with ALS.

“I have tough news to share and my brothers and sister have gathered to support me,” he said. “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’ve been diagnosed with ALS.”

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, according to the ALS Association.

Eventually, the brain loses the ability to initiate and control muscle movement. Patients may lose the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe.

There is no cure.

“Because my symptoms have been slow progressing from the start, we believe they will continue to be slow progressing going forward. God willing, I plan to be rocking with these amazing people for many years to come," Hopkins said. 

Hopkins, who was born in San Antonio, in addition to playing several instruments has co-written songs for the band and sings.