Ronald Reagan Signed Copy of his 1994 Handwritten Letter Announcing He Had Alzheimer's. Signed and Dated Day After Public Announcement (University Archives LOA)

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015

His signature "Ronald Reagan," adding "11-6-1994", on the top of a copy of his historic November 5, 1994 hand-written letter announcing that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, 2 pages, 8.5" x 11, [n.p.], November 5, 1994. The copy has been neatly stapled together with a typed version of the same announcement, signed "Ronald Reagan," at the conclusion, 1p. 8.5" x 11", together with an additional page bearing a copy of the press release from the Mayo Clinic discussing Reagan's diagnosis. Apart from the staple at top left, the pages are in extremely fine condition. Reagan's disclosure of his diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease was not only an important moment in Reagan's life and career, his announcement helped place a spotlight on an issue that had received only scant public attention before. In his announcement, Reagan believed that making his condition public would raise public awareness about this devastating affliction: "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 affected by it." Despite his tragic diagnosis and his advanced age (he was 83 at the time), Reagan remained active for several years, taking walks and playing golf regularly, and until 1999 he regularly visited his office in Century City. As his condition progressed, Reagan made less frequent public appearances. By 2001, Reagan was receiving very few visitors. Nancy Reagan explained that her husband preferred people to remember him as he was. After his death in 2004, Nancy Reagan became an advocate for stem-cell research. Comes with letter of authenticity from University Archives.