Capt. Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot who famously landed a disabled US Airways flight on the Hudson River in New York City in 2009, has announced he has Alzheimer’s disease.
Sullenberger, 75, shared the diagnosis on his website Tuesday, July 14, saying he is in the early stages of the disease.
“For now, this means a name may not come easily to me, I forget a story I have recently told, or I don’t sleep as well, but I am in the beginning of this long journey,” Sullenberger said.
Sully Sullenberger’s ‘Miracle on the Hudson’
Sullenberger became a national hero after safely landing US Airways Flight 1549 on the icy Hudson River in Midtown Manhattan on Jan. 15, 2009.
The plane struck a flock of Canadian geese shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport, causing both engines to fail. Sullenberger and his crew successfully guided the aircraft into the river, saving all 150 passengers and five crew members aboard.
The emergency landing became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.”
An Air Force veteran, Sullenberger later became an aviation safety expert, accident investigator and CBS News contributor. He also advised government officials on aviation safety issues.
Sullenberger shares message of hope
Sullenberger said sharing his diagnosis is part of his continued commitment to helping others.
“So this new phase of my life has challenged what it means to be of service,” Sullenberger said. “And the answer is to speak up.”
“It is my hope that by sharing this, other families living in the shadows with this disease will feel they too can step forward,” he said.
Sullenberger also thanked his wife, Lorrie, whom he described as his “incredible partner of 37 years.”
“Lorrie … says we can all use a little of that hope right now,” he said.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that damages nerve cells in the brain and can lead to dementia.
The CDC estimates more than 7 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease. It is also the seventh-leading cause of death among U.S. adults.
Common symptoms can include:
Symptoms typically worsen over time, though the progression of the disease can vary from person to person.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Sully Sullenberger shares Alzheimer’s diagnosis
Reporting by Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
