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<\/p>\nNEW YORK CITY (WABC) — There was a special moment on Capitol Hill on Wednesday as our colleague and beloved friend Bill Ritter received a heartfelt tribute.<\/p>\n
Republican Rep. Mike Lawler spoke from the House floor about Bill’s brave revelation that he is fighting Alzheimer’s disease.<\/p>\n
“I rise today to honor a great New Yorker, Bill Ritter, whose decades of work in broadcast journalism have earned him the respect and admiration of viewers across our region,” Lawler said. “As he and his family face his recent diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, I join countless New Yorkers in offering my prayers, support, and deep gratitude for all he has given to our communities.”<\/p>\n
Lawler also said Ritter built a career defined by “integrity, thoughtful storytelling and an unwavering commitment to keep the public informed.”<\/p>\n
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We want to thank Congressman Lawler and all of the other lawmakers from both sides of the aisle who have shown their support for Bill, his family and his new focus on reporting Alzheimer’s stories.<\/p>\n
Ritter announced on June 12 that he was stepping away from the anchor desk but will continue to report on the challenges of Alzheimer’s for the patients, their families and medical research.<\/p>\n
It affects more than seven million Americans.<\/p>\n
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