Veteran meteorologist Jeriann Ritter has revealed she was tentatively diagnosed with bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, after viewers suggested she appeared drunk during some of her weather reports.
Ritter — who works for NBC affiliate WHO 13 in Des Moines, Iowa — shared her health update during an emotional sit-down with anchor Keith Murphy on Tuesday. She noted that doctors are still “trying to prove” her exact condition.
“I love talking about the weather. I don’t love talking about ALS,” she admitted. “That’s what the doctors believe is causing my speech problem.”
ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a nervous system condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in loss of muscle control, according to the Mayo Clinic. It initially manifests as muscle weakness and tends to get worse over time.
Ritter said she first noticed a change in her speech back in October. The issue eventually landed her at the dentist, she said, recalling how she told the doctor that she felt “something weird,” like her “teeth are moving.”
The appointment set off a series of referrals to other doctors, eventually culminating in her seeing a neurologist, who discovered something on Ritter’s tongue. It allowed for her medical team to conclude she likely has bulbar ALS, which comes with symptoms that primarily affect speech and swallowing. Ritter is still awaiting her official diagnosis.
“If the doctors are right, I’m probably done telling you about the weather, but I still have a lot to say,” Ritter said. “I’m trying to figure out what that new race or journey looks like, but I want it to be about spreading love.”
The veteran meteorologist also recalled receiving messages from viewers in late November, when she was still working to understand what was happening to her.
“Are you drunk?” some asked, the Des Moines Register reported.
“I didn’t forecast this storm hitting,” she said. “It’s raining right now, and I’m just trying to find the sunshine.”
