'There’s No Cure': Famed NYC TV Anchor Reveals Diagnosis Live On-Air, And It’s Powerful
HuffPost • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Veteran ABC7 New York anchor Bill Ritter announced on-air that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, emphasizing that current treatments are only keeping it at bay for now and that tonight’s broadcast would be his last as an anchor.
- Ritter shared the emotional impact of the diagnosis on his family, highlighting their bravery and his intention to remain involved at ABC7 by mentoring younger journalists and continuing to appear on air and online.
- He plans to focus his future work on raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and related diseases, exploring their effects on patients and families, and addressing the high costs of treatment and care.
- Ritter revealed his personal connection to the disease, noting his father died from Alzheimer’s in 1998 and that he has been active in advocacy efforts since then.
- In interviews, Ritter described noticing memory loss two years prior to diagnosis, the importance of seeking testing, and his initial fear upon learning of his condition, underscoring his commitment to honesty and transparency as a journalist.
