“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)
Check out our events page for upcoming book signings!
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 two decades, Nancy Alexander, PT, has helped her patients improve their health, fitness and quality of life. Now, she complements her clinical skills with real-life experience to help inspire adults to make the coming years the best of their lives.
“I have been thinking for quite a long time now that my later years would be my best,” says Nancy. “Before it was wishful thinking. Now, I’m working to make it happen.”
Over two years ago, Nancy left a management position at a local home care agency to fulfill her entrepreneurial dream. Today, Nancy is owner of Aging Well Now, LLC, and Achieve More Physical Therapy, PLLC, in Canandaigua, NY. In addition to being a licensed Physical Therapist, she is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a Certified Senior Fitness Specialist through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Nancy is also a Licensed Buff Bones® Instructor. Over the last 23 years as a physical therapist, she has gained clinical experience in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, as well as home care and hospital-based settings. Now, her clinical practice focuses on improving the health, fitness level and quality of life for adults with chronic conditions. She complements this with writing, speaking and mentorship.
“Since my father passed away over four years ago, I yearned to tell his story, our story,” Nancy says. “This desire just wouldn’t let go. I knew then I had to write this book.” This book started as a way for Nancy to honor her father and see that his legacy lived on. Over time, the book became something more. “I want to help caregivers and inspire them to embrace the road they are on. Care-giving is not easy. With this book I champion my father and I champion caregivers everywhere.”
Nancy adds, “I find it interesting that writing has found me again.” She received her BA in English/Writing Arts from State University of New York at Oswego in 1983. Before becoming a physical therapist, Nancy worked in advertising and public relations for about seven years. “I used my writing degree then,” Nancy states. “But a long time has passed and now I’m using it in a new way and with a completely different purpose. This is much more meaningful to me.”
Her book “An Unlikely Gift” is dedicated to her late father. In her book, Nancy wrote, “This book is rightfully dedicated to him (my father). There is no one person who had more of an impact on me and my life than my father. In me and in this book, my father lives on.” At the end of the book, Nancy notes, “You raised me, but more importantly, you raised me up. Now, it’s my turn to raise you up. You championed me all my life. Now, I champion you. And I will do it for the rest of my life.”
In 1995, Nancy graduated cum laude from the University at Buffalo with her physical therapy degree. This is in addition to her BA degree noted above. Recently, Nancy has become an experienced speaker and author with a focus to help adults improve their health, fitness, and quality of life. She is the author of an E-book titled, “7 Quick and Easy Ways to End Back Pain” and volunteers as a support group facilitator with the Alzheimer’s Association. Nancy helped raise over $100,000 for the Breast Health Navigation Program at UR Medicine’s Thompson Health managing the Pink Fly Classic ladies golf tournament and other related events over the last 15 years. Nancy recently resigned from this event to make room for her growing business educating and celebrating adults over 50 and for writing.
“I am blessed to have this opportunity in my life,” says Nancy. “I am going to make the best of it.”
Over 50 herself, Nancy continues to enjoys sports and has participated in ice hockey, skiing, biking and golf (to name a few). She is assistant coach for the Canandaigua Ladies hockey club. She also enjoys gardening and is a member of the Canandaigua Garden Club. Nancy resides with her family in Canandaigua.
For more information about Nancy and her mission, visit www.agingwellnow.com.
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.
Upcoming Programs:
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Dementia Support Group – Guest Speaker
M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center, Canandaigua NY (A senior living facility of UR Medicine’s Thompson Health)
- 11:00 am-12:00 pm. RG&E Room.
- Includes readings from Nancy’s new book An Unlikely Gift: Finding Inspiration Caring for My Father With Dementia.
- Visit www.agingwellnow/books for more information about her book.
“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