I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimers disease. Upon learning this news, Nancy and I had to decide whether, as private citizens, we would keep this a private matter, or whether we would make this news known in a public way.
In the past, Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had my cancer surgeries. We found through our open disclosures we were able to raise public awareness. We were happy that, as a result, many more people underwent testing. They were treated in early stages and able to return to normal, healthy lives.
So now, we feel it is important to share it with you. In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are afflicted by it.
At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share lifes journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.
Unfortunately, as Alzheimers disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes, I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.
In closing, let me thank you, the American people, for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your president. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.
I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.
Thank you, my friends. May God always bless you.
SOURCES
Many of the quotes in this book came from public speeches Ronald Reagan gave during his thirty-plus-year public career, all of which are available at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. The preceding text includes excerpts from the following speeches:
Address to the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, 1961.
A Time for Choosing televised address to the nation in support of presidential candidate Barry Goldwater, 1964.
Gubernatorial Inaugural Address, 1967.
Address to Eureka College, 1967.
Gubernatorial Statewide Televised Address, 1972.
Gubernatorial Statewide Televised Address, 1973.
Address to the American Textile Manufacturers Institute, 1973.
Gubernatorial Address to California Legislature, 1974.
Address to the American Trucking Association, 1974.
Remarks at the Convention of Southeastern GOP Leaders, 1976.
Official Announcement for Presidency, 1976.
Remarks to Delegates at the Republican National Convention, 1976.
Televised Address to the Nation, 1976.
Address to the American Conservative Union, 1977.
Official Announcement for the Presidency, 1979.
Acceptance Speech, Republican National Convention, 1980.
Presidential Inaugural Address, 1981.
Address to Notre Dame University, 1981.
Address to the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, 1981.
Address to the AFL-CIO, 1981.
Remarks before the National Alliance of Business, 1981.
Televised Address to the Nation, 1981.
Address to U.S. Business and Government Leaders visiting the White House, 1981.
Remarks at the Veterans Day proclamation, 1981.
Televised News Conference, 1981.
Remarks proclaiming National Day of Prayer, 1981.
Address before a Joint Session of Congress, 1981.
Address to Joint Session of Canadian Parliament, 1981.
Address before the National Governors Conference, 1981.
Remarks at the Captive Nations Week ceremonies, 1981.
Remarks before the Conservative Political Action Conference, 1981.
State of the Union Address, 1982.
Remarks to the New York City Partnership Association, 1982.
Remarks before the Indiana Legislature, 1982.
Address to Metropolitan Chicago YMCA, 1982.
Address to the National League of Cities, 1982.
Address to Eureka College, 1982.
Address to the Republican Congressional Dinner, 1982.
Remarks before the Conservative Political Action Conference, 1982.
Address to the National Prayer Breakfast, 1982.
Address to National Religious Leaders, 1982.
Remarks at Mount Vernon ceremony commemorating George Washingtons twentieth birthday, 1982.
Remarks at Re-commission of USS New Jersey, 1982.
Televised Address to the Nation, 1982.
Remarks before the Oklahoma Legislature, 1982.
Address to National Prayer Breakfast, 1982.
Address to the National Governors Conference, 1982.
Address to the U.S. League of Savings Associations, 1982.
Address to the Virginia Republican Party, 1982.
Remarks before the National Association of Realtors, 1982.
Remarks at candlelight vigil for Prayer in Schools, 1982.
Remarks before the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1982.
Remarks proclaiming National Day of Prayer, 1982.
Remarks before the National Conference of Christians and Jews, 1982.
State of the Union Address, 1983.
Remarks before the National Association of Evangelicals, 1983.
Remarks at the Captive Nations Week ceremony, 1983.
Remarks before the American Legion Sixth Annual Convention, 1983.
Remarks before the National Federation of Independent Businesses, 1983.
Address to National Prayer Breakfast, 1983.
Address to the Conservative Political Action Conference, 1983.
Address to the National Association of Towns and Townships, 1983.
Address to the University of South Carolina, 1983.
Remarks at the Cuban Independence Day celebration, 1983.
Address to the National Association of Homebuilders, 1983.
Remarks before the Massachusetts High Technology Council, 1983.
Remarks before the National Rifle Association, 1983.
Address to National PTA, 1983.
Address to the American Bar Association, 1983.
Remarks on Thanksgiving Day, 1983.
Remarks before French Business Leaders, 1983.
Address to the Republican National Hispanic Assembly, 1983.
National Radio Address, 1983.
Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery, 1984.
Televised Address to the Nation, 1984.
State of the Union Address, 1984.
Address to the Association of National Religious Broadcasters, 1984.
Address to the Spirit of America Rally, 1984.
Address to Reagan Executive Forum, 1984.
D-Day Anniversary Address, 1984.
Address to Chinese Leaders in Beijing, 1984.
National Radio Address, 1984.
Republican National Committee Speech, 1984.
Presidential Inaugural Address, 1985.
Address to United Nations General Assembly, 1985.
Remarks proclaiming National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 1985.
Remarks before the Conference on Religious Liberty, 1985.
Address to the Deficit Reduction Coalition, 1985.
Remarks proclaiming National Day of Prayer, 1985.
Remarks before the Conservative Political Action Conference, 1985.
Address to Citizens of Hambach, Germany, 1985.
State of the Union Address, 1985.
National Radio Address, 1985.
Televised Address to the Nation, 1985.
Address to Ohio Business Leaders, 1985.
Remarks at Veterans Day celebration, 1985.