Nicole Bell's Memoir Helps Others Navigate Chronic Illness

Oct 12, 2022 12:01 am

Dear AlzAuthor,

Lately I've been forced to let go of many things, some of them harder than others, some willingly, some due to circumstances beyond my control. I am the oldest child and the only girl in a family of four, and was raised to be the leader, the big sister. In family, friendships, school, and work I've been the one who (supposedly) has all the answers and (supposedly) knows what to do in any situation. I assumed many responsibilities throughout my life and, as you know, responsibility is a heavy burden. I don't always bear it well, or without resentment, and there were a few times when I walked away from it altogether. However, most of the time I'm happy to be in charge, making the decisions, leading the way. Now, though, I'm faced with relinquishing control of many things, personally and professionally, and am finding it hard to step back. But in the stepping back I am discovering greater joy, peace, and relief (!) as the weight of responsibility is given to others better situated to take control.

As caregivers, we shoulder great responsibilities, and sometimes feel it is all up to us, no one else can do this, I'm the one, if not me, then who? Caring for a loved one with dementia is one of the most difficult challenges we may face, and it can be overwhelming. Before being sucked dry, it may be wise to review the situation, to see what you may let go of and what you should maintain control of, to find others who are capable and willing to take over. To let go, and discover the peace and joy that awaits you.

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Introducing our newest author

Nicole Bell is an author, entrepreneur, and advocate for tick-borne and neurodegenerative diseases. She advanced her professional career as an engineer and program manager and spent the past 15 years in medical devices and medical technology. But when her husband became chronically ill, she left that position to take on her most challenging roles yet: caregiver and medical proxy. Her memoir, What Lurks in the Woods, details the harrowing experience and seeks to help others navigating chronic conditions.

Nicole writes:

My slice of the world seemed perfect. My career thrived in a fast-paced, growing med-tech company, the smartest man I’d ever met was my best friend and husband, and I was a mom to two tiny humans who learned new things and amazed me every day. But piece by piece, that perfection crumbled, unearthing a harsh reality. My husband was sick.

Read the rest of her post here:

https://alzauthors.com/2022/10/11/nicole-bell-dug-deep-to-find-the-cause-of-her-husbands-illness/

Please retweet our announcement of Nicole's post:

https://twitter.com/AlzAuthors/status/1579977166951157761?s=20&t=ktVo-mnEgRrGaOHHuB4jLQ

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Our latest Podcast

In this AlzAuthors Live! Virtual Q&A we explore the similarities and differences caregivers and those living with dementia encounter as they seek care and search for solutions to the many questions and problems a dementia diagnosis brings. The speakers featured in this event represent the United States, Canada, and Argentina. We hope their stories will inspire and empower you on your own dementia journey. This discussion was recorded on September 13th, 2022. This event was originally scheduled with three of our authors - Cindy Weinstein (US), Donna Thomson (Canada), and Katya De Luisa (Costa Rica) - but heavy rainstorms prevented Donna and Katya from participating, although we did get to hear from Donna briefly. Both Donna and Katya have been on the podcast in the past. You can find their episodes here.

Start Listening!

Watch on YouTube

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Congratulations to 2022 Maude's Award Winner Mary Crescenzo

We are happy to share the news that the 3rd annual Maude's Awards winners were recently announced and include AlzAuthor Mary Crescenzo from Topanga, California.

Mary is the author of The Planet Alzheimer’s Guide: 8 Ways the Arts Can Transform the Life of Your Loved One and Your Own, a how-to guide for personal and professional care partners, as well as activity/lifestyle directors. Its format offers comprehensive yet accessible advice on how to engage a person with dementia through painting/drawing, music/singing, movement/dance, poetry and storytelling. Its focus is on person-centered art experiences.

Maude’s Awards was created in 2019 by Richard Ferry (Co-Founder of Korn-Ferry International) in honor of his beloved wife of 65 years. In 2013, Maude was diagnosed with dementia and Richard has continued their loving journey as a tireless advocate to discover and share innovations that speak to the challenges and needs of persons living with dementia and their care partners. The Awards – Maude's Awards (maudesawards.org)

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More inspiring stories have been added to our Six-Word Memoirs project!

Here are a few examples:

She raised me, I was capable.
Laughter survives, before, during, after Alzheimer's.
Art is a catalyst for communication.
Beautiful soul, we hardly knew you.
Singing became our new dementia language.

Here’s how to share your six words on our topic:

1. Go to this link https://app.sixwordmemoirs.com/

where you’ll be prompted to login with a name/password/email.

2. Then go to Join Topics and use this code: a8tt44di OR

visit https://app.sixwordmemoirs.com/topic/a8tt44di/s

3. Share one or as many six-word stories as you like!

We can't wait to read your stories!

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Join Our Annual Book Sale and Giveaway

This is our annual sale and a great way to not only showcase your book but bring awareness to Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers. It’s also a fundraiser to support our mission to bring quality, carefully vetted resources to those who need them. Register now as the deadline is October 21.

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Need something new to keep you warm this fall?

Start shopping!

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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:

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