里根患阿尔茨海默症后致美国公众的信（兽兽/译）

Letters
里根患阿尔茨海默症后致美国公众的信

Ronald Reagan
罗纳德·里根

Nov. 5, 1994
1994年11月5日

翻译：兽兽

My Fellow Americans,
亲爱的同胞们：

I have recently been told that I am one of the Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease.
我近日被告知，我将成为那些遭受阿尔茨海默症折磨的美国人中的一员。

Upon learning this news, Nancy & I had to decide whether as private citizens we would keep this a private matter or whether we would make this news known in a public way.
得知这一消息，南希和我不得不做出选择，是把这件事当作普通公民的个人隐私来对待，还是将它公之于众。

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.
过去，南希经历了乳腺癌的痛苦，我也接受过数个癌症手术。我们发现，通过我们的开诚布公，能够提高公众的意识。这样做的结果是，更多人接受身体检查，这是我们所乐见的。他们在病症早期接受治疗，恢复了正常、健康的生活。

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.
由此，我们感到，将此事告诉大家，这很重要。我们希望，通过敞开我们的心灵，能有力地提高公众对此疾病的意识。也许，这能够加深人们对受此影响的个人和家庭的理解。

At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life's journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.
我目前感觉良好。我打算在上帝赐予我的有生之年，一如既往地生活下去。我将继续同南希以及我的家庭分享生命的旅程。我会享受美好的大自然，或者呆在家里，跟我的朋友和支持者保持联系。

Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's Disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.
不幸的是，随着阿尔茨海默症病情的发展，患者家庭往往会背上沉重的负担。我仅希望，我能通过某种方式，使南希从这一痛苦的过程中解脱出来。我确信，她能在你们的帮助下，以信心和勇气面对那个时刻的来临。

In closing let me thank you, the American people for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. When the Lord calls me home, (sic) whenever that may be I will face it with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.
最后，让我感谢你们——美国人民，你们让我得到成为总统而服务于你们的崇高荣誉。无论何时，当上帝召唤我的时候，我都会带着对这个国家最深的爱，带着对她美好未来的持久的乐观期待，面对那个时刻的到来。

I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.
现在，我将走上人生的日落之路。而我知道，对于美国来说，前方总有一个光辉的黎明。

Thank you, my friends. May God always bless you.
谢谢你们，我的朋友们。愿上帝永远保佑你们。

Sincerely,
你们诚挚的，

Ronald Reagan
罗纳德·里根