"Miracle on the Hudson" Hero Captain Sully Diagnosed with Alzheimer's
"Miracle on the Hudson" Hero Captain Sully Diagnosed with Alzheimer's
Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, famed for the "Miracle on the Hudson," reveals early-stage Alzheimer's. He shares his story to inspire hope and raise awareness. A true hero's next brave journey.
Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the renowned pilot who heroically landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, has announced he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The 75-year-old retired pilot shared the personal news on Tuesday via a statement on his website, emphasizing that he is "in the beginning of this long journey."
In his heartfelt statement, Sullenberger described some initial symptoms he's experiencing, such as difficulty recalling names, forgetting recently told stories, and experiencing disturbed sleep. He acknowledged these as early indicators of the progressive neurodegenerative condition.
Captain Sully and his wife, Lorrie, made the conscious decision to go public with his diagnosis to raise awareness and support for the millions of families affected by Alzheimer's. He reflected on a life dedicated to service, from his time in the U.S. Air Force to his career as a commercial airline pilot, accident investigator, and even as the U.S. Ambassador to ICAO. His unwavering commitment to aviation safety continued long after the "Miracle on the Hudson," where he used his heightened platform to advocate for crucial issues like increased pilot training, adequate rest periods, and the maintenance of the two-pilot rule.
Sullenberger expressed that this new phase of his life challenges his understanding of "service," concluding that the answer is to "speak up." He hopes that by sharing his journey, other families dealing with the disease in silence will feel empowered to step forward. Drawing a parallel to the hope ignited by the "Miracle on the Hudson," he stated that "we can all use a little of that hope right now."
His heroism in 2009, which saved 155 lives, was famously dramatized in the 2016 film "Sully," starring Tom Hanks. This latest announcement once again highlights his courage and commitment to public well-being, even in the face of deeply personal challenges.
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