John Driskel Hopkins of the Zac Brown Band reveals his ALS diagnosis in a video message to fans

"God willing, I plan to swing with these amazing people for years to come," the musician announced with his comrades.

Zac Brown Band founder, songwriter, and bassist John Driskel Hopkins told fans in a short video message that he was experiencing the slowly progressive symptoms that neurologists have identified as ALS.

"Over the last few years, I have noticed some balance problems and stiffness in my hands. After good analysis by some of the country's leading neurologists, I was diagnosed with ALS. Since my symptoms were slow to progress from the start, we believe they will progress slowly. But, the land is growing," said Hopkins, 51. "God willing, I plan to swing with these amazing people for years," he continued.

According to the band's touring schedule, Hopkins - aka Hop - is currently touring with the Zac Brown Band until November 19. Apart from singing in bands, he played guitar, banjo, and ukulele and released a solo album called Lonesome High last year. In the video, Hopkins and his colleagues in the group ask viewers to donate to an ALS test by texting HOP at 345-345. Hopkins and his family founded Hop on a Cure, a foundation that supports ALS research to prevent, reverse, and treat ALS while raising awareness and building community.

"The technology and research around ALS research is advancing, but we still haven't found a cure. Thank you for your prayers also support to help us recover from ALS," added group mate Zack Brown. According to the ALS Association, ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a nervous system disorder that weakens muscles and affects physical mobility. Nerve cells are damaged, which reduces muscle function.

The prognosis for people diagnosed with ALS is death within three to five years, although there have been documented cases of patients who have lived with the disease for the past ten years.