Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot celebrated for his heroic 2009 landing of a commercial airliner on New York's Hudson River, has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's Disease. Sullenberger, 75, announced his diagnosis on Tuesday, sharing that the disease affects memory and cognitive function.
He expressed a positive outlook, stating that he will navigate this new chapter with his family's support. Sullenberger is married to his wife, Lorrie, and they have two daughters and a granddaughter. He noted that his granddaughter brings new meaning to life and that his diagnosis will not hinder his appreciation for the future.
“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. He added that he will continue to look forward to and appreciate their future.
Sullenberger drew a parallel between the courage displayed during the “Miracle on the Hudson” and the courage needed to face his current health challenge. "Now we need that courage to battle this disease. I am now part of a larger community with many of you, and we will be courageous together,” he stated.
He highlighted the widespread impact of Alzheimer's, noting that it affects millions of families globally and spares no age group. Sullenberger credited Dr. Gil Rabinovici at UCSF Medical Center for educating him on the prevalence of the disease.
In January 2009, Sullenberger famously landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport. The Airbus A320 lost power in both engines after striking a flock of geese. All 155 people aboard the aircraft survived the incident, which became known as the