Maricopa County attorney issues first statement since brain injury

PHOENIX — Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel thanked doctors and her staff on Friday in the first statement attributed to her since she was hospitalized for a brain injury on Election Day a month ago.

“I am grateful for the high-quality medical treatment I am receiving and want to publicly thank the medical teams who have taken care of me,” she said in an emailed statement.

“I am still recovering at Barrow’s Neurological Institute and look forward to returning home in the coming weeks.”

Adel gave no indication of how long it would be before she might return to work. She’s been hospitalized since undergoing emergency surgery Nov. 3 for bleeding in the brain. The injury occurred after she fell at home, her office said.

On Nov. 19, Barrow officials said Adel was responding well to treatment.

“I feel stronger every day and while I know that recovering from a brain injury is a slow and steady process, I look forward to working with my medical team to ensure a safe and full recovery,” Adel said in Friday’s statement.

Adel, a Republican, defeated Democratic challenger Julie Gunnigle to retain her position. Adel was appointed to replace Bill Montgomery, who left for a seat on the state Supreme Court.

Adel’s victory made her the first woman elected as Maricopa County attorney, the top prosecutor for metro Phoenix.

“To my family at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, thank you for continuing to focus on the important work of our office,” she said.

“You are professionals of the highest caliber and I am proud of the work you are doing to keep the office moving forward.”

Here is Adel’s full statement:

Over the past month, my family and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support by this community. It has provided us much comfort during this time. I am grateful for the high-quality medical treatment I am receiving and want to publicly thank the medical teams who have taken care of me. I am still recovering at Barrow’s Neurological Institute and look forward to returning home in the coming weeks.

To my family at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, thank you for continuing to focus on the important work of our office. You are professionals of the highest caliber and I am proud of the work you are doing to keep the office moving forward.

Finally, I’m proud to be the first woman elected as the Maricopa County Attorney and I want to thank the voters of Maricopa County for entrusting me with this honor. I feel stronger every day and while I know that recovering from a brain injury is a slow and steady process, I look forward to working with my medical team to ensure a safe and full recovery.

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