A Father and Son, Alzheimer's and a 4,200-mile Bike Ride

May 03, 2023 4:16 am

Hello ,

—Day 15 “on the road.” We’ve left behind the hill country of Texas, experienced the grandeur (and heat) of Big Bend National Park, and explored the exquisite Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, focusing on the old adage “carpe diem” (seize the day).

Our new #AlzAuthor this week definitely knows about seizing the day. In a leap of faith, he and his father (with early-stage dementia) set out on a voyage of self-discovery, fulfilling a lifetime dream to cycle across the United States on the TransAmerica Bike Trail.

Vicki

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Introducing Our Newest Author

Storyteller, educator and adventurer Kari Loya shares his powerful father and son story, documenting their adventure riding bicycles across the USA. Following the TransAmerica Bike Trail, they faced his dad’s Alzheimer’s on their own terms, cycling 4,200 miles from Yorktown, Virginia to Astoria, Oregon.

Kari shares: I hope that by sharing our journey with Alzheimer’s—from start to finish—others may gain helpful insights and perspective on their own dance with the disease. And most importantly, I hope they will be reminded of the power of focusing on what we CAN do . . . then seize the day with someone they love, whatever that means to them.

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We were thrilled with the response to this event! Thirty-five poets came to read and shared their beautiful words and stories with honesty and grace. We shared laughter and tears, too.

Here are some of the comments we've received:

"The reading was heartfelt and healing. Thank you so much everyone!" Therese Halscheid

"Thanks to the organizers and readers for a beautiful and healing session." Mariana Mcdonald

"I want to thank everyone for sharing so many superb poems revealing so much on such a difficult subject." Walter Bargen

You can now catch the replay on YouTube (the podcast will be out on May 10th). We know: the event is long, almost two hours long, but you can stop and start again at your leisure to watch the whole program. Take notes: you may want to keep track of your favorite parts to watch again (and again).

Shout out to Victoria Sabogal, our intern from SUNY Orange, for putting our video together. She did a fantastic job! Thank you, Victoria.

Watch the replay

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Authors: Is Your Book a Memoir About Caring for a Mother With Dementia?

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS EXTENDED TO MAY 8.

We're creating a booklet of memoirs written about "Caring for a Mother with Dementia" for Mother’s Day, May 14th in the US. The compilation will help to promote you and your book and raise awareness of AlzAuthors via our website, newsletter, podcast, and social media. Caregivers who sign up for our mailing list will receive the compilation as a gift during the month of May and beyond. The booklet will consist of mini-features for 24 books. There are a few spots left. If you would like your book added please email marianne@alzauthors.com.

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Celebrating Children's Book Week

We offer books for kids and young adults about Alzheimer's and dementia to help them understand and learn about the disease. Visit our bookstore!

Find Kids Books

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Podcast News!

AlzAuthors has reached a milestone! We're proud to announce that our podcast has reached 80,000 downloads! “Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia, an AlzAuthors podcast” is one more way we support those on a dementia journey. It is produced, edited and hosted by Marianne Sciucco, co-founder, manager and director of AlzAuthors. To date, there are 87 episodes. New episodes begin May 10. If you haven’t heard it yet, start listening!

Listen here!

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Breakthrough Author Magazine Published Our Story

Marianne's article on the creation of AlzAuthors was published in the May edition of Breakthrough Author Magazine. She describes how she, Jean and Vicki met online in 2015 and agreed to promote each other's books for one month. Find out what happened next! You can get your free copy below. We are on page 8.

Start Reading!

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Bingo! Benefits AlzAuthors

A fun time was had by all at the AlzAuthors Bingo Fundraiser! Susan Landeis, an AlzAuthors Manager and member of the Board Directors, accepts a cash prize generously donated by Erin Taylor of The Crafty Candle Shoppe in her local community. Like so many, Erin's life was touched by Alzheimer's when she and her family cared for her father. She knows from personal experience how important it is to find support on the caregiver journey. AlzAuthors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by dedicated volunteers. We rely on donations to further the work of this ever-growing community of authors so that we may continue our mission to provide support and encouragement in the form of personal stories, caregiver guides, blogs, podcasts, videos, and more. Would you consider supporting our efforts with a donation? Learn more about making a tax-deductible donation by visiting the "Donate" page on our website.

Visit our Donate Page

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Love Audiobooks?

Audiobooks are hands-free and a great way for busy caregivers to absorb content while doing something else. This is not news. Audiobooks are very popular: According to Statista, in 2020, audiobook sales revenue in the United States reached 1.3 billion U.S. dollars, continuing the upward trend which began in 2018.

Readers: We will be doing special promos for audiobooks starting in June, Audiobook Month.

Authors: If your book is available in audio make sure it's included. Join our audiobook directory.

Join here

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AlzAuthors on Dr. Paul's Family Talk Radio Show on April 26th

Co-founder Marianne Sciucco was on "Dr. Paul's Family Talk" Radio Show on Wednesday, April 26

Listen Here!

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Customize a collection of AlzAuthors books and create your own Custom Caregiver Collection to support senior communities, memory cafes, caregiver support groups and more. Ready to touch some hearts?

Find out how!

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An Invitation to a Film Screening from our Friends at Happy Healthy Caregiver

The filmmakers of the documentary Wine, Women, & Dementia are providing the Happy Healthy Caregiver community with a 30 minute sneak peek of the full length film. It’s a watch party! After viewing the preview, we’ll get to meet and chat with two of the filmmakers – Director, Kitty Norton, and Producer, Beth Rigazio. It’s a roadtrip connecting the disconnected – because until there’s a cure, there’s community. Grab your beverage of choice and favorite movie snack and join us for this special event. We’ll also be awarding a few prizes – Wine, Women, & Dementia swag.

A special thank you to our Virtual Café Sponsor – Wine, Women, & Dementia!

Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 12-1pm ET

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Let's keep connected ...

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Please Support our Mission

Our mission is to provide quality resources for those concerned with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Please help by connecting with us in at least one new way this week:

Become an AlzAuthors Donor

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Follow our podcast and leave a review

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