A former Knox County Commissioner announced Friday that she, like UT Lady Vols Basketball Coach Pat Summitt, is suffering from dementia.
In a statement released by her son, Mary Lou Horner said, "I hope by releasing this information publicly others may be empowered to address their condition with grace and not feel it necessary to hide in the shadows."
Horner encouraged people with dementia to seek out treatment, and requested privacy as she deals with the disease.
Horner was unable to attend a YWCA ceremony last week in which she was presented a Lifetime Achievement award.