Join me as I tell the story of AlzAuthors, the global community of authors sharing their Alzheimer’s and dementia stories to light the way for others, on Friday, June 21^st at 2 pm at Middletown Thrall Library, Middletown, New York. This is my fundraising and awareness effort for the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day, an annual event. You can read more about my personal Alzheimer’s story on my Longest Day Participant Page. 

After publication of my novel Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story,  I reached out to two other authors I met online who also published books on this deeply stigmatized subject. What happened next was totally unexpected: We created a movement that includes 200+ authors, a website, bookstore, anthologies, community outreach, and more. Our mission: To bring carefully vetted books and blogs to caregivers and others concerned about Alzheimer’s and dementia and to break through the silence that often accompanies these diseases.

Sharing our stories makes us strong, but sadly too many of those with dementia and their loved ones caring for them are isolated, as shame and stigma often prevent them from disclosing their diagnosis. My  presentation will include a discussion on the power of telling our stories to make change – personally, globally, and legislatively – and how those overcoming or facing dementia and its caregiving can tell their own stories.

The AlzAuthors New York Traveling Library, a selection of books featured on the website and donated by their authors, will be on display, and copies of the group’s first anthology, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving Stories: 58 authors share their inspiring personal experiences, will be available for purchase.

The Alzheimer’s Association has declared June 21^st, the Summer Solstice, “The Longest Day,” where people all over the world participate in fundraising activities to support the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Representatives from the Association will attend this event to provide information about these diseases and their services. A portion of the proceeds from sales of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving Stories will benefit the work of the local chapter.

Middletown Thrall Library is located at 11-19 Depot Street, Middletown, NY, 10940.

For more information please contact Adult Program Coordinator Theresa Zacek at tzacek@rcls.org or 341-5483, or visit the library’s website.

You may participate in my fundraising efforts here.