On-air, WABC anchor Bill Ritter reveals retirement and shares his diagnosis of Alzheimer's.
Bill Ritter is sharing details of his personal health struggles. The seasoned television journalist revealed that he had to resign from his position at Eyewitness News due to an Alzheimer's diagnosis.
“After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s,” Ritter stated at the ABC 7 NY newscast on June 12. “This is called ‘early stage’ Alzheimer’s, and they say the treatments I’m getting are keeping it at bay, at least for now.”
“But there is no guarantee here, because there’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s,” he continued. “So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and really soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor.”
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In fact, Ritter who is married to Kathleen Friery and has three children emphasized that since learning of his condition, “spending more time with my family has now become even more important, because my life has taken a turn.”
However, he will continue to work at the news desk. Ultimately, the 76-year-old, who joined WABC in 1998, will stay on to serve as a mentor to the upcoming generation of broadcasters.
"I'm also going to remain a journalist here at Eyewitness News, and so you will still see me on air and online," he added. "One reason, because this station wants to dig deeper into the rising tide of Alzheimer's and other similar diseases."
Additionally, Ritter's cause was personal even before he was diagnosed with the illness, which, per a report from Mayo Clinic, gradually kills brain cells.
"I'm not a stranger to this disease," he remarked. "My dad died with it in June 1998. I have since been active in the fight to stop Alzheimer's, and I will continue doing that.”
Ritter praised WABC for treating him with "compassion and humanity and love" at this trying time, and he also acknowledged his loved ones as he struggles to fight for himself and others.
“As for my family, my kids say, ‘Dad, you’re being so brave in all this,’” he stated. “But no–it’s not me, it’s them who are being brave. As is my wife Kathleen.”
“I am going to so miss reporting the news to all of you,” he went on to say, “with the truth, and with facts, no matter where they fall. It has been my honor to do just that. For now, I wish you health and peace, and let’s take care of each other.”
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