In 2005, cancer survivor Debra LaChance founded the Healing Project to create a community of support for those living with chronic and life-threatening illness. ... more than 40 people whose lives have been profoundly touched and irrevocably changed by Alzheimer’s disease ... including actress Kate Mulgrew... share their stories, providing readers with insights into living with the disease from its early, often unnoticed beginnings to its final, devastating stages and beyond. Contributors include victims, spouses, family members, friends, and caregivers who write with dignity, candor, and humor about their journeys and the sometimes positive and unexpected effects the experience can have. ... . This poignant, insightful, distinctive, and informative book is highly recommended for all public and academic libraries.
— Library Journal starred review on Voices of Alzheimer’s
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A Wonderful, Profoundly Moving Book
I purchased this book for the three pages written by Kate Mulgrew (a.k.a. Captain Janeway :), but after I read her provocative pages I started the book from the beginning and just couldn't put it down. This book is packed with honest, jarring anecdotes that literally take your breath away.
This is a beautiful book, but it is absolutely heartbreaking. I'm not sure that it is the kind of book you would give to someone who has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, although, on the other hand, perhaps it could spur that person to take care of living wills and other business while they are still able to make rational decisions.
Reading this book could have immeasurable value to caregivers, as they may feel less isolated and more connected, empowered. And I think it would be an excellent book for anyone who is trying to understand the impact of Alzheimer's on caregivers and families.
The book also works as an advocacy piece -- I can't imagine anyone reading this book without feeling motivated to DO something -- donate money, volunteer, sponsor a friend going on an Alzheimer's walk, work for a cure, etcetera.
I know it says something important and perhaps hopeful about the human spirit that ordinary people watch those they love be destroyed by this disease, that they care for them, suffer with them, perform profound acts of love and compassion, and eventually come out on the other side. But for now, Alzheimer's disease doesn't have happy endings. – amazon.com customer review of Voices of Alzheimer’s
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A Great Start
Had submitted an article of my own for this anthology and had to withdraw it for reasons which had nothing to do with this publication. This is an EXCELLENT publication and I am so very happy for the publishers that they decided to go for such a worthwhile effort. Wonderful stories, etc - great source of information from the mouths of those most closely informed by this disease. I highly recommend this book, and the coming series, to anyone having a family member with one of these diseases, or caring in general about others and wanting to understand as much as possible.
- amazon.com customer review of Voices of Alzheimer’s
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This wide-ranging anthology from the Healing Project provides answers to practically anyone wondering “What now?” in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis. Patients, family and friends will find helpful information on everything from the emotional aspects of diagnosis and treatment to explanations of the different types of breast cancer. Boxes scattered throughout offer particularly good clinical information by Dr. Stephanie Bernik on everything from choosing a surgeon to the effect of chemotherapy on fertility. The breaking up of this information among personal essays, poems and meditations by patients and family members makes it easy to digest. While many writers tell of their shock and dismay at their diagnosis, there are more than a few wry laughs, too.... Debra LaChance created the Healing Project to provide a format for connecting people diagnosed with different diseases. Judged by that yardstick, this worthy collection succeeds very well. – Publisher’s Weekly on Voices of Breast Cancer
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Hearing others' stories is the most substantial aspect of any support group, be it Weight Watchers or Alcoholics Anonymous. These breast cancer confidences present the disease from varied points of view, male and female, as those who struggled with it put it all on the line. No two tales are the same, just as no two breast cancer diagnoses or experiences are the same. It's the universality of the emotions that links these essays and puts the human face on what can be a very scary disease. For all patient health collections. – Library Journal on Voices of Breast Cancer
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Pure Inspiration
This anthology is packed with real women’s stories originally shared at the Healing Project, a nonprofit group founded by cancer survivor Debra LaChance that connects people with life-threatening illnesses. You’ll also find essays about new treatments—as well as where to go for support. – Shape Magazine on Voices of Breast Cancer
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A Different Sort of Book on Cancer
The personal stories included in "Voices of Lung Cancer" are poignant and true. These stories put a different face on lung cancer, and, amazingly, they're filled with hope and humor. Stories like Susan Long's "Rediscovering Daddy" and Barbara Terrell's "Now I Understand" give the disease a face and help others who are dealing with similar situations. The fact that Law & Order’s S. Epatha Merkerson and Dr. Deborah Morosini, sister of Dana Reeve, have stories in the book only adds to its interest. I highly recommend it. Shane Alexander.- - amazon.com customer review of Voices of Lung Cancer
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