The Alzheimer’s Association announced Kelle Riley of Hixson has been selected as a published author in the new edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias.
The book, which went on sale April 22, is comprised of essays, stories and poems from people living with Alzheimer's or another dementia, caregivers and affected friends and family members, will help raise awareness of the Alzheimer’s epidemic and comfort those impacted by the disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association and Chicken Soup for the Soul collaborated to create this collection to support the more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and their 15.
5 million caregivers. The personal submissions provide practical advice, encouragement, insight and support to readers.
Out of thousands of submissions, Riley was one of only 101 personal stories chosen to be published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias.
“The call for submissions to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias arrived in my inbox on the anniversary of my mother’s death,” shares author Kelle Riley. “She was an avid reader and supporter of my writing, so I wanted to honor both her life and her struggle with dementia by writing “Always A Mother.” The process helped me deal with grief I’d put on hold for a decade while the disease stole her life, inch by precious inch. I cried more over those pages than in the months following her death. I hope that the collection helps others cope with the impact of dementia in their lives and the lives of their loved ones.”
“Kelle’s experience is like so many others who lose a loved one to this disease. We hope that families will reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association and take advantage of our programs and services instead of going through this alone,” said Senior Vice President Cindy Lowery.