Caregiver Village is a virtual world and game where caregivers can connect, play, share their story, and find resources. When I was in the throes of helping to care for my mom, I felt so isolated. I had no idea there were millions of caregivers around the world in similar situations. Looking back, I wonder how different my experience would have been if I had a space to share my stress, vent my frustration, and find support from other caregivers. Now, caregivers can do that very thing at Caregiver Village. I’m so happy to be able to help foster new friendships, connections, and create an online support system for caregivers everywhere.

For a limited time the first year of membership is free (a $50 value) and Caregiver Village will donate $1 to the Alzheimer’s Association for every new member that joins through this link. Join me today in this innovative endeavor to reach out and improve the lives of caregivers all over the country.

In June, I’ll be leaving my position at the Alzheimer’s Association to pursue a full time career in writing.  Working for the Association not only led to professional growth, but also served as a catalyst for my own healing.  I learned more about the disease than sometimes I ever wanted.  I made lifelong connections with colleagues and volunteers throughout the nation.  And, I was able to lend my voice in a way that I couldn’t while my mom was living with Alzheimer’s.  This alone has profoundly altered me, and I’m forever grateful for the experience. 

There were so many times I could feel my mom’s energy and spirit cheering me on.  Just as I can imagine her nudging me forward now, reminding me that it’s okay to let go and carve out whatever comes next.    

Speaking of what’s next, my plan is to write what I love which has manifested in two ways.  First, my not-so-secret vice is mystery novels, so I’ve decided to try penning a sleuth series.  Outlining, plotting, and character mapping have begun, but I’m eager to dig in to actually writing the book soon.  Second, as a magazine and news enthusiast I’ll continue my freelancing gigs, and will soon be announcing the launch of a new collaborative project.  Saving the best news for last, Underneath the Ash is due to be re-released.  As you can see, I’ll have plenty to blog about in the coming months so stay tuned for details.

I want to invite you to become a beta tester for Caregiver Village, an online experience designed exclusively for those who provide care for anyone with special needs:  an elderly parent, a disabled child, a sick friend or family member.  What’s in it for you?  Fun, mystery, adventure ( and a little romance) and, even more importantly, the opportunity to gain skills in managing the tasks, stresses and challenges caregivers face.  Oh, and a $50 gift card for your time.

Click here to be among the first in the world to see, play and experience a one-of-a-kind just for family caregivers.

First and foremost, thanks to all of you who’ve taken the time to read the book.  Launching in the height of the holidays didn’t exactly lend itself to light reading.  As most of you know I’m a mystery junkie (in fact I’m fast at work on my second book, a mystery at the moment) which seems like the ideal holiday read.  I was touched by how quickly many of you read the book, despite my warnings and the madness of December.  Not to worry, if you haven’t read it yet there’s plenty of time.  In fact, I think it’s a perfect post-holiday read.    

Secondly, thanks to those of you who’ve emailed, written, facebooked, tweeted, and called me with your feedback and response to the story.  This by far has been the highlight of the entire process.  It’s so fascinating to learn what each person takes away and brings to the book based on their own personal journey.  I feel like this alone is the best gift of all and has allowed for such interesting conversations and connections with friends and strangers alike. 

And, finally thanks to those of you who’ve reviewed the book and sent it on to friends, colleagues, and neighbors.  If you haven’t had a chance to review the book, please do so on Amazon.  I promise all reviews are welcome.  Clearly, if you’ve read the book you understand that honesty is a critical value to me (sometimes at my own detriment) so whether you have glowing or constructive feedback I’d love for you to share it.

It’s onward to the next project for me.  I’m looking forward to writing something entirely different and hopefully fun.  Next time, I can almost guarantee a light holiday read!

The process of writing was cathartic, painful, and transforming.  I’m so thankful to my incredible family who willingly allowed me to share our worst and best moments in print.  I hope that in sharing our story, we’ll help smooth the path for those who come behind us.

My deepest thanks also go out to my network of friends and fellow writers, who provided insight, painstakingly edited the manuscript, and cheered me on in the process!  I’m forever grateful for your feedback, listening ears, and coffee runs. 

Alzheimer’s may have stolen pieces of my mother, but writing this book has made her whole again, something I never would have imagined four years ago. 

Click here to buy your copy of Underneath the Ash today!

In writing the stories that appear in the feature, I interviewed professionals, caregivers, and some incredible people living with Alzheimer’s.  I was humbled by the experience, and struck by how dramatically things have changed since my mom’s death.  When my mom was in the early stages of the disease we never uttered the word Alzheimer’s in front her.  We spoke in hushed tones, and told strangers she had “mild cognitive impairment.”  We struggled with how to help her interact at the grocery store or when ordering coffee, and tried to shelter her as much as possible. 

This is not the case for the families I interviewed.  They’ve embraced the disease in ways I never could, and in doing so are paving a new path for those who come behind them.  Rather than shrinking away, they’re standing tall and saying, “Yep, I’ve got Alzheimer’s and I’m still here. Talk to me!”  I know that a decade or so from now, we’ll look back at this time and recognize this is the moment that Alzheimer’s became a cause.  I’m forever grateful that I was able to witness it.

To read the section in its entirety click here.

While it’s disheartening to watch how many studies fail, it’s equally exciting to track the plethora of new theories that are being tested.  And, more than ever it’s critical that the Federal Government invests in Alzheimer’s research now.  For every $2.50 that the government spends on health care costs for those living with Alzheimer’s, it spends one cent on research.  It’s going to take a paradigm shift to turn those numbers around.  The Alzheimer’s Association is leading the fight in an effort to make Alzheimer’s research a national priority.  Click here to learn how you can be a part of that. 

On to better news…along with walking, red wine and vitamin D are currently on the watch list as potentially offering preventative benefits against Alzheimer’s.  Not surprising, given that the Alzheimer’s Association has been recommending following a heart healthy diet for the past decade.  We’ll have to wait and see where research lands on this theory, but in the meantime it certainly can’t hurt to adhere to the heart health guidelines, plus a glass of pinot noir with my daily walk sure sounds nice.

Memory Walk is the largest fundraiser and public awareness event for the Alzheimer’s Association, and for me it’s also a time to surround myself with friends, family and loved-ones who come out in support of the cause and to honor my mom’s memory.  This year our team will also be walking for my father-in-law who has recently been diagnosed with the disease.  As if the tragedy of Alzheimer’s striking my mom so young wasn’t enough, it seems impossible that it’s struck our family again.   But, unfortunately our story isn’t unique.  You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone today that hasn’t been touched by Alzheimer’s in some way.

While death rates from other major diseases have declined over the last decade, Alzheimer’s deaths have increased by 46%.  Did you know that for every $2.50 our federal government spends on the care of someone with Alzheimer’s disease, it spends one cent on research?  The time is now to make Alzheimer’s a federal priority, and Memory Walk helps highlight how many people have been impacted by this fatal brain disease. 

For anyone in the Portland/Vancouver area, I hope you’ll join me on Sunday, September 26th as we fill the streets of Portland with purple and walk to END Alzheimer’s.  Click here to join my team or start your own.  Let’s get walking!

While you’re reading take a moment to read this year’s winning essay “Disappearing Act.”  It’s also about a mother/daughter relationship through Alzheimer’s.  The piece is beautifully written and definitely resonates with me.  What I love about the fact that the Quarterly chose two Alzheimer’s essays in this year’s contest, is the tipping of the scales. 

The stories we tell shape our understanding.  As we dive into the personal and universal tale of grief and loss and learning to find the hidden moments of happiness, perspectives shift.  It’s through sharing our stories that we teach, heal, and hopefully pave a smoother path for those who come behind us.  For far too long stories about Alzheimer’s have been tucked away in family albums, but that trend is changing and with it, we are too.