You probably know Lance Pekus. He’s the guy who attacks American Ninja Warrior courses in a cowboy hat, looking like he just stepped off a ranch in Salmon, Idaho. He’s tough. But if you’ve followed his career for more than a minute, you know the person he calls the "real hero" isn't him—it’s his wife, Heather.
Lately, people have been searching for her name with a bit of worry. Maybe it’s because she hasn't been as visible on the sidelines lately, or perhaps because her health journey has been so public and harrowing.
To answer the big question upfront: Yes, Heather Pekus is still alive. She is still fighting, still working, and still the backbone of the Pekus family. But staying "alive" for Heather hasn't just been about breathing; it’s been a decade-long battle against a body that sometimes refuses to cooperate.
The Reality of Heather’s Health Journey
Honestly, the story of Heather’s health is kind of a rollercoaster. It didn't just happen overnight. It started back when she and Lance were still in college. They were at a Fourth of July horse race—the kind where you ride double—and when she swung up onto the horse, her arm went numb.
That was the first sign.
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Eventually, doctors diagnosed her with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). For about eight or nine years, things were actually okay. She was active, she lifted weights, she ran, and she raised their kids. But around 2015, the disease shifted gears. It got aggressive.
Heather went from running to needing a walker in just ten months. By the time Lance was really hitting his stride on American Ninja Warrior in Season 9, Heather was often in a wheelchair. That was the year they decided to go public. They were private people, but they realized her struggle could actually help others feeling just as stuck as she felt.
Is she still working?
Surprisingly, yes. Despite the physical toll MS takes on the nervous system, Heather has remained dedicated to her career. For years, she has worked as a counselor at Salmon High School. Imagine dealing with the unpredictable fatigue and mobility issues of MS while trying to guide high schoolers through their own life drama. It’s a lot.
Dealing with the Rumors
Why do people keep asking if she’s okay? Well, the internet is a weird place. Whenever a public figure’s spouse stops appearing in every single social media post or TV segment, the rumor mill starts grinding.
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Also, there was some confusion a while back involving another story Lance shared. Lance actually donated blood stem cells to a woman named Ashley who was fighting leukemia. Because Lance is so closely associated with the "fight against disease" narrative, some casual viewers mixed up the stories, thinking the life-threatening cancer diagnosis belonged to Heather.
It didn't. Heather’s battle is specifically with MS.
How is Heather Pekus doing in 2026?
As of now, Heather is still living in Idaho with Lance and their two children. Her life looks a bit different than the early days on the ranch, but she’s there.
MS is a chronic, progressive disease. It doesn't have a "cure" in the traditional sense, but it has management. Some days are better than others. Lance has mentioned in recent updates that while the physical struggles are constant, Heather’s mindset is what keeps the house running.
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- Mobility: She still utilizes mobility aids when needed.
- Family Life: She’s actively involved in her children's lives as they grow up.
- Advocacy: The couple continues to use their platform to raise awareness for MS and the National MS Society.
The Cowboy Ninja’s Perspective
Lance is pretty blunt about it: he wouldn't be doing what he does without her. He’s often said that no matter how hard an obstacle is on the ANW course, it’s nothing compared to what Heather deals with just getting out of bed.
That perspective is basically his "secret sauce." It’s why he doesn’t quit when he slips or when the water is cold.
If you’re looking for Heather, you’ll find her in Salmon, likely dodging the spotlight when she can but standing firmly behind her family. She isn't a "sob story." She’s a working mom and a professional who happens to be navigating a very difficult neurological condition.
What you can actually do
If you’ve been moved by Heather’s story, don't just search for her status—actually do something. The best way to support people like Heather is to look into the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. They fund the research for the medications that kept Heather symptom-free for nearly a decade and are working on ways to reverse the damage the disease causes.
You can also keep an eye on Lance’s social media or his "Rancher Strong" initiatives. They often tie their fitness events back to health advocacy. Heather’s still here, she’s still fighting, and she’s still the "toughest person" the Cowboy Ninja knows.
Actionable Insights:
- Verify your sources: When you hear rumors about a celebrity's health, check their official social media or verified local news outlets (like KTVB in Idaho) before believing the worst.
- Support the cause: MS affects over 2.8 million people worldwide. Donations to MS research directly impact the quality of life for people like Heather.
- Focus on the resilience: Heather’s story isn't about "being sick"; it's about the "hardest working counselor" who refuses to let a diagnosis define her daily life.