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Sandra Day O 'Connor, the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court, announced Tuesday that she had been diagnosed as being at the beginning of the dementia "some time ago" and that she was probably suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
"As this situation evolves, I am no longer able to participate in public life," wrote 88-year-old Connor, in a letter issued in court and addressed to "friends and family." American compatriots ".
O 'Connor, who sat on the Supreme Court for nearly 25 years, from 1981 to 2006, said she wanted to use the letter for, "As long as I can still, share some personal thoughts".
"While the last chapter of my life with dementia can be challenging, nothing has diminished my gratitude and my deep gratitude for the countless blessings in my life," she wrote. "As a young cowgirl from the Arizona desert, I would never have imagined one day becoming the first female judge of the United States Supreme Court."
"Shortly after my retirement from the Supreme Court twelve years ago, I committed myself, my family and my country to use the years that I have left to promote learning. and civic engagement, "she wrote. She stated that she founded her organization iCivics, which teaches civic education to high school and college students for this reason.
"I can not help this cause because of my physical condition," she wrote.
On Monday, O 'Connor's son, Jay O'Connor, told The Associated Press that "his mother's memory was starting to be harder, so now is the time to recall his public life."
In a statement released Tuesday, Chief Justice John Roberts said, "Judge O. Connor is, of course, a landmark in the history of the United States and the world, breaking down the barriers that prevent women to pursue careers in the legal profession and the country as a whole. "
"Although she has announced that she is retiring from public life," Roberts said, "no illness or condition can cause the loss of inspiration that it provides to those who will follow." the many paths she has traced. "
This is a story in development. Check back for updates.
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