Lee Pelton, who retired this summer as president and CEO of The Boston Foundation, has publicly disclosed that he is living with Alzheimer’s disease. In a personal reflection, Pelton described the challenges of coming to terms with a diagnosis that threatens not only his health but also the core of his identity.

Pelton, a longtime leader in nonprofit and educational sectors, emphasized that his life has been deeply shaped by his passion for writing, reading, and public speaking. These activities, he said, have defined his sense of self from an early age and have been central to his work in improving the communities he has served.

Now, as he navigates the realities of Alzheimer’s, Pelton acknowledged the difficulty of accepting a condition that “feels as hard to accept as it is to defeat.” He expressed fear that the disease could erode the very skills and memories that have been integral to his life and leadership.

Writing from the perspective of someone newly part of the Alzheimer’s community, Pelton aims to shed light on the experience for those unfamiliar with the disease. He hopes his candid account will foster greater understanding and empathy for people living with Alzheimer’s and encourage support for them.

Reflecting on his journey, Pelton conveyed gratitude for a fulfilling career and the opportunities he had to make a positive difference. Yet, he also conveyed the emotional struggle of confronting an uncertain future shaped by the progressive loss caused by Alzheimer’s.

Through his message, Pelton contributes to broader public dialogue about the human dimension of Alzheimer’s, emphasizing the importance of compassion and awareness for those affected.