“An Unlikely Gift” available NOW
Nancy Alexander, Physical Therapist, shares the story of her journey with her father, who lived with dementia for the last 18 years of his life. As his caregiver, she learned a lot about her father and even more about herself. With this book, she hopes to inspire others to appreciate the road they are on and to welcome the gift that awaits.
It is a love story. Always close to her father, this journey drew them even closer. Nancy had medical training and knowledge to help along the way. But, in the end, her heart was her strongest compass.
Sometimes we don’t choose our journeys, they choose us. More and more of us will be called upon to be caregivers at some point in our lives. Not only can you survive it, you can thrive. Better days are ahead and they begin with you.
An Unlikely Gift is now available in paperback and as an e-book. Find it here: https://amzn.to/2DBR0OC. (Please copy and paste this link to your browser)
“An Unlikely Gift” Featured on Seniors Rock Radio Show
I am proud to have partnered with fellow author Judy Shenouda to offer a new program titled, “Take Good Care of Yourself.” This program was featured recently by Joanna Palvino, host of Senior Rock Radio Show. On this show we discuss our books and our experiences. There is a lot to learn! Check it out here at www.seniorsrockradio.com. Scroll all the way down to listen. Enjoy!
Media Center
November 6, 2018
For Immediate Release
“An Unlikely Gift” by Nancy Alexander, PT Available Now in Paperback and as an E-book
What good could possibly come from caregiving for someone with dementia? Plenty, it turns out.
In “An Unlikely Gift,” Nancy Alexander, Physical Therapist, shares the story of her journey with her father, who lived with dementia for the last 18 years of his life. As his caregiver, she learned a lot about her father and even more about herself. With this book, she hopes to inspire others to appreciate the road they are on and to welcome the gift that awaits.
This is a love story. Always close to her father, this journey drew them even closer. Nancy had medical training and knowledge to help along the way. But, in the end, her heart was her strongest compass.
Sometimes we don’t choose our journeys, they choose us. More and more of us will be called upon to be caregivers at some point in our lives. Not only can you survive it, you can thrive. Better days are ahead and they begin with you.
An Unlikely Gift is a memoir of my relationship with my father that helps provide guidance and inspiration to those caring for someone with dementia. My goal is to share some inspiration to care-giving children to help them appreciate the road they are on. Care-giving is difficult. I challenge others to see this as a gift, an unlikely gift.
-Nancy Alexander, PT
Praise for “An Unlikely Gift”
“Nancy did a wonderful job presenting the loving relationship between father and daughter and the challenges which dementia places on those relationships. Although her introduction notes this is not a “how to” book, I believe it will help provide insight and guidance to caregivers of those beginning their dementia journey.”
~Dr. Gary Kochersberger, MD, Geriatric Medicine Specialist
“Reading ‘An Unlikely Gift’ is a gift in itself. The stories and events of a father and a loving daughter are so heart-wrenching, sweet and loving. Nancy’s journey will help one better appreciate relationships, caregiving, dedication and love. Her growth through the pages and her career changing decisions has brought her to a life of helping others appreciate life itself.”
~Bob Locke, Pharmacist and retired health care administrator
“Being a caregiver is one which is difficult and challenging. In ‘An Unlikely Gift,’ Nancy shares the patience, selflessness and tenderness needed to navigate this overwhelming time. And she does it with unwavering love and respect for her father and herself. We are blessed to have her as an instructor as she guides senior adults to live their best lives with her well-researched skills and life experiences.”
~Ann E. Cunningham, Executive Director, OASIS Rochester
About the author
For the past 24 years, Nancy Alexander, has applied her physical therapy skills to help her patients improve their health. For 18 of those years she also cared for her father with dementia. Today, Nancy combines her skills and experience to help adults make their next years their best years.
How does she do it? She is a physical therapist, certified fitness professional, published author, and experienced speaker. Her clinical credentials include:
• Licensed Physical Therapist in Florida and New York
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA)
• Certified Senior Fitness Specialist (ACE)
• Licensed Buff Bones® Instructor
• LSVT® BIG Certified Clinician
Inspired by her relationship with her late father, Nancy wrote and self-published, “An Unlikely Gift: Finding Inspiration Caring for My Father with Dementia.” Available at Amazon.com and fine bookstores, this memoir honors her father and goes even further to help inspire caregivers to embrace their new journey. Nancy frequently speaks on this topic – be it a keynote address or as a guest at support groups (and everything in between). Her book has been featured in numerous local and national media outlets including MSN.com.
Her passion continues to build having presented for over 10 years now at local events and workshops geared to help adults improve their health and live well. She teaches specialized fitness classes for those with chronic medical conditions. Her blog inspires adults to live their best life.
Physical therapy… group instruction… community educator. How can I help you? Call 585 406-0526 or email me at nancy@agingwellnow.com to find out more.
Photos
Jim and Nancy Alexander. This portrait was taken in 2009 by Deron Berkhof. (Shared with permission)
Speaking Opportunities
I would love to help you or your organization honor caregivers and help provide guidance and inspiration to help all who are on this journey. If you are interested in hosting a Caregiver Conversation, please reach out to me and I would be happy to customize a program to meet the needs of your group.
“We are blessed to have Nancy as an instructor as she guides senior adults to live their best lives with her well-researched skills and life experiences.”
Ann E. Cunningham
Executive Director, OASIS Rochester
Thank You!
From recent program participants…
- Nancy is great!!! A real PRO!
- Really enjoyed the class. Your knowledge and enthusiasm were A+
- Helpful, practical information – nice friendly manner. Thank you, Nancy
- Very informative and useful!
- Very helpful and I needed this to get confidence to start exercising
- I enjoyed her good teaching… she is excellent
- Excellent – great tips & great info. Good educator – clear and concise!
- Nicely organized class – Good teacher/student rapport
- Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Your encouragement is wonderful.
- This was a wonderful class! Excellent instructor. Please have Nancy do more classes!
- Good information! Presented in an organized and supportive fashion.
- Nancy is a dynamic, “up” instructor and very knowledgeable about her topic.
- Great class! Thank you!
Nancy Alexander, PT
585 406-0526
Nancy@agingwellnow.com