Progressive lawmaker sobs as she resigns over mysterious illness that has left her too exhausted to climb a set of STAIRS

By LAUREN ACTON-TAYLOR, US NEWS REPORTER Published: 15:48, 2 June 2026 | Updated: 15:58, 2 June 2026 A city councilwoman in Colorado tearfully resigned as she announced her battle with a mysterious illness that has left her too weak to climb a set of stairs.  Denver Councilwoman Sarah Parady, 43, announced her resignation to her colleagues through tears as she revealed her mysteriously deteriorating health. 'It's been my honor, my privilege to be up here representing the city that I love so much, and I do not want to stop,' she told the council meeting on Monday. 'This is where I want to be, but it is not in the cards.' The progressive lawmaker said her health's unfortunate turn remains a mystery, but she has become so weak that climbing the stairs is 'more exhausting than it used to be to go up a 14er.' 'I won't pretend to understand exactly what's going on medically, because I don't,' she said.  Parady said she has also been experiencing dizzy spells and pain all over her body, and told the meeting: 'When I stand up from the committee table, the world spins on its axis. Everything hurts. Pain, fatigue. I don’t think there’s some undiagnosed, progressive illness that’s waiting in the wings for me.' She added that she believes her illness to be chronic and 'medically not well understood.' 'I can't meaningfully do this job and be a parent and try to be a medical mystery in the good hours that I have every day,' she told the council meeting.  Denver Councilwoman Sarah Parady, 43, announced her resignation to her colleagues through tears as she revealed her mysteriously deteriorating health The progressive lawmaker said her health's unfortunate turn remains a mystery, but she has become so weak that climbing the stairs is 'more exhausting than it used to be to go up a 14er.' The councilwoman's colleagues, as well as everyone in attendance at the meeting on Monday, met Parady with a standing ovation following her emotional announcement Parady announced her last day on the council would be August 5 in order to keep the city from having to hold a special election for her replacement.  Instead, her successor will be voted in in November and hold Parady's position until her term concludes on July 19, 2027.  Parady said her resignation announcement was made early to allow enough time for anyone hopeful to take her position to consider running, the Denver Post reported.  'I think that often the best elected officials are not the people who immediately think of themselves for positions of power,' she said. 'And so if this gives you a thought that you might raise your hand, take that thought seriously.' Until she is replaced, she will continue to serve on the council but will step down as chair of the council's Community Planning and Housing Committee.  Parady has served as a 'tireless advocate for Denverites' throughout her career, often challenging Mayor Mike Johnston's administration. The former law attorney has also been a staunch vocal opponent to a series of controversial propositions brought before the council, including the Flock license plate reader system which was replaced after a council vote.  She also challenged Johnston's proposal to buy land for a women's soccer stadium in the Baker neighborhood, the Denver Post reported.  Parady announced her last day on the council would be August 5 in order to keep the city from having to hold a special election for her replacement. Instead, her successor will be voted in in November and hold Parady's position until her term concludes on July 19, 2027 Parady has served as a 'tireless advocate for Denverites' throughout her career, often challenging Mayor Mike Johnston's administration Council President Amanda Sandoval said that Parady served as a 'thoughtful leader, a principled voice and a champion for the issues she cares deeply about' 'Public service requires dedication, resilience and a willingness to stand up for your beliefs and the beliefs of your constituents,' Johnston said of Parady in a statement to the outlet.  'In particular, I have enjoyed working alongside her to create and preserve more affordable housing, and I will always value her partnership in protecting immigrants.  'Councilwoman Parady has consistently demonstrated demonstrated those qualities. And though we have sometimes viewed issues differently, I have never questioned her values or her deep desire to improve the lives of Denverites. 'On behalf of Denver, I would like to thank Councilwoman Parady for her dedication and service to our city. I send my love to her and her family, as well as my hope of a swift return to full health.'  The councilwoman's colleagues, as well as everyone in attendance at the meeting on Monday, met Parady with a standing ovation following her emotional announcement.  Council President Amanda Sandoval said that Parady served as a 'thoughtful leader, a principled voice and a champion for the issues she cares deeply about.' 'While I am saddened by her decision to resign, I have tremendous respect for her choice to prioritize her health and her family during this time,' Sandoval added.  Parady concluded her announcement thanking her city, and said: 'Thank you for the chance to represent you. It is the best thing I have ever done, or will ever do.' The Daily Mail reached out to the Denver City Council, Councilwoman Parady and Mayor Johnston for comment.  No comments have so far been submitted. 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