They called it “The Miracle on the Hudson,” and it is a day that has since gone down in History. The question at hand is how much longer its heroic pilot, Sully Sullenberger, will remember.
Sullenberger recently revealed he has early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The diagnosis was revealed to the 75-year-old in August 2025, and he chose to share his condition publicly via People in July 2026 to help others feel less isolated.
“Lorrie and I often said we won the baby lottery with our two daughters. And we have learned what people say is actually true: that grandchildren are a game changer. Our granddaughter gives a whole new meaning to life. With that said, I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. It is early stage. 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. My doctor, Dr. Gil Rabinovici with UCSF Medical Center, has opened my eyes to the prevalence of Alzheimer’s. This disease, he has told me, spares no age group and impacts millions of people around the world. It is the unwanted visitor at the door.”
Sullenberger writes in a statement, “Like millions of families that are impacted by this disease, we debated next steps. I have spent my life in service, in the U.S. Air Force, as a commercial airline pilot, an accident investigator, as the U.S. Ambassador to ICAO. I have advocated for the safety of the traveling public for decades. And of course, after the landing of Flight 1549 in the Hudson River, I used the greater voice afforded to me by The Miracle on the Hudson to further aviation safety by speaking out on the many issues facing the industry. I was proud to work with many colleagues, fighting for increased pilot training, more pilot rest, in favor of the two-pilot rule, on increased technology issues, and more. So, this new phase of my life has challenged what it means to be of service. 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. And about hope—so many people told us after Flight 1549, that the outcome gave them hope.
“Lorrie, my incredible partner of 37 years, says we can all use a little of that hope right now. Though it may impact my memory of the past, this diagnosis will not prevent me from looking forward to and appreciating our future. I will navigate this chapter with my wonderful family by my side. Over the years, when people would ask about the successful outcome of Flight 1549, I would say that “courage can be contagious,” and on that day it helped everyone band together to get everyone off that airplane successfully. 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.”
The Miracle on the Hudson refers to the emergency water landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on January 15, 2009. Ultimately saving all 155 people on board. Piloted by Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, the Airbus A320 successfully glided onto the river after striking a flock of Canada geese shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in New York City.,
Immortalized in film in 2016, perhaps Tom Hanks portrayal of Sullenberger may one day aid in assisting his ever-failing memory. Help him to remember that he is a hero.
Photo courtesy of social media
