Caring for an ailing parent who has lost their grip on reality is a stressful, heart wrenching experience that can wear down the strongest of individuals. Turning that painful experience into a positive and compassionate guide to help others in need takes a courageous individual. That individual is Sande Donahue.

"It's much easier in the long run to tap into the power of the pain and turn it into something meaningful"

"You can look at it as an ordeal or a burden. You can drown yourself in anger and dig yourself into a ditch of negativity," Donahue said. "But it is so much easier to tap into the power of the pain and confusion and turn it into something meaningful."

The result of Donahue's redirection of pain is a book called "Fading Angel, A Chronicle of Love." The book chronicles her foray into the world of care giving when her mother developed Alzheimer's 15 year ago. Donahue discusses topics ranging from detecting the onset of the disease to financial and legal aid. Important information such as handling victim's mental confusion and depression is also included. However, the most important thing, she says, is to develop a plan of action.

"What I have attempted to do is to give people an insight on how to make the journey a little easier, not only for yourself, but for the individual who is suffering. In my book I have given a basic outline for people to use," Donahue said. "Mapping out a plan will take you from chaos to order and from fear to understanding."

Donahue realized the need for the book after turning to doctors, friends and family members for support and guidance. While she understood the biological and psychological effects the disease had on it's victims, she discovered that people were either afraid to discuss Alzheimer's, or were unable to provide information on handling the day-to-day care of her mother. Even more shocking, she says, was the lack of concern for the victim. She says it is common for people to ignore the need to discuss the disease with the person afflicted - that people often assign the role of the victim to themselves.

"Many times people don't want to talk about it because they're in denial themselves. Even doctors who can easily discuss the ramifications of Cancer and Parkinson's don't want to discuss the disease with the patient," Donahue said. "You need to take yourself out of the equation and let them know that you will be there. These people know something is wrong. They need validation that whatever they do, it will be okay."

Currently Donahue is busy promoting her book on radio stations, television, and bookstores across the nation. You can get a copy of her book by logging onto her website at http://www.fadingangel.com or by calling 1.800.247.6553 to order a copy, or at your local book store.

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