Why Stories Like Patricia’s Matter
Statistics tell us how many millions are affected by Alzheimer’s. Medical guides explain the stages, symptoms, and treatments. But numbers and charts cannot capture the firsthand experience of this disease. That is why personal stories matter.
Patricia J. Pelham’s memoir, Who’s on First? Alzheimer’s: The Terminal Descent, is one such story—a deeply personal account of navigating Alzheimer’s as a wife, caregiver, and mother. By sharing her journey, Patricia does more than tell her own truth; she gives voice to countless others.
Stories like hers bring understanding. They invite empathy from those who have never walked this path and provide companionship to those who have. They preserve the humanity of patients like Rick, reminding us that behind every diagnosis is a person who loved, laughed, and lived fully.
Most importantly, stories inspire action. They encourage conversations about caregiving, research, and the urgent need for support. They remind us that Alzheimer’s is not only a medical challenge but also a societal one.
By reading and sharing Patricia’s book, we keep Rick’s memory alive and stand in solidarity with every family facing this devastating disease.