A Review of My Two Elaines By Martin J. Schreiber
– Richard Creighton, Living with Alzheimer’s
“‘My Two Elaines’ tells of man’s struggle to care for wife with Alzheimer’s”
– Jim Higgins , Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“At one moment this book is a heart-wrenching account of the devastating toll of Alzheimer’s and the next moment it is a heart-rending love story. The minute you are holding your breath at the brutality of the disease, Marty rescues you with a concrete/doable message that can lead to lovely moments of joy. No health care professional, family member, or caregiver should be without it.”
– Dawn Adler, Director of Adult Day Center and ReCharge, Jewish Home and Care Center, Milwaukee, and co-author of Illuminate: An Integrated Curriculum for Early Memory Loss Programs
“What this book reminds us is that whatever our differences – our backgrounds, temperament, social economic status, and, yes, even gender – the often difficult experience of caregiving can become a meaningful expression of our humanity and, as it was for Gov. Schreiber, of his love for his two Elaines.”
– Piero G. Antuono, MD, Member, Medical and Scientific Advisory Panel, Alzheimer’s Disease International
“My Two Elaines will touch the heart of every caregiver who has given their own to a loved one. Marty’s story of selflessness and struggle will offer strength for many caregivers across our country who act as everyday heroes.”
– U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin
“If you or someone you know is a caregiver, this is a must-read. Your loved one really does become a different person; as I learned from my mom’s dementia, learning how to deal with her was key to everyone’s sanity. There are many helpful hints here.”
– Bonnie Blair, five-time Olympic gold medalist
“This book will resonate with caregivers and provides insight into the array of emotions and real-life challenges faced when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. The devastating impact of this disease is not lost in Marty’s humor or endearing personal stories, but he offers solace in his lessons learned and how to appreciate what is left vs. what has been lost.”
– Kathy Cavers, Administrator/COO, The Lutheran Home, Milwaukee
“Marty Schreiber has written a critically important book for Alzheimer’s and dementia family caregivers. A natural storyteller, Marty blends wit, humor and raw emotion into an immensely readable and compelling work. He does not hold back on the terrible toll Alzheimer’s has taken on his and his family’s life, but he also demonstrates for others that there is a path to eventual healing and survival. This book will not only help caregivers avoid some of the physical and emotional stresses they will inevitably face, it will also help them see their loved one with dementia in a new and better light as they navigate the Alzheimer’s journey together.”
– Tom Hlavacek, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter
“My Two Elaines is a powerful, honest look at the toll Alzheimer’s disease takes on both patient and caregiver. Marty Schreiber and Cathy Breitenbucher have performed a great service, laying out a clear and valuable guide for couples who must navigate their way through this terrible disease.”
– Mark Johnson, Pulitzer Prize winner and co-author of One in a Billion: The Story of Nic Volker and the Dawn of Genomic Medicine
“My Two Elaines is the story of one man’s experience with caring for his wife after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, but it’s one experienced by endless others. Personal and practical for anyone caring for a spouse or family member, Marty writes directly to other men finding themselves in the role of husband-turned-caregiver. I only wish my father had this book to help him during my own mother’s illness.”
– Paula Kiely, City Librarian, Milwaukee Public Library
“After working with seniors and in the health care field for over 30 years, I still continue to learn every day. This book has taught me many things, and I’m indebted to Marty.”
– Adele Lund, Director, Community & Business Relations, Laureate Group senior housing communities, Milwaukee
“This wonderful book gives a personal perspective of a couple’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease, as they reach out for help and support. The personal sharing, the compelling development of Marty, and his insight as a caregiver all provide for an important message.”
– Michael Malone, MD, Aurora Health Care Senior Services; Chair, Public Policy Committee, American Geriatrics Society
“Unfortunately, most of us will be affected by Alzheimer’s in one manner or another over the course of our lives. Marty has truly captured the essence of loving and caring for somebody with this disease. His book is insightful, thoughtful, heartwarming and respectful. Marty’s sense of humor and abundant patience surely are a blessing for Elaine.”
– Scott McFadden, President and CEO, The Lutheran Home & Harwood Place, Milwaukee
“My Two Elaines demonstrates beautifully that the journey is not just for the person with the diagnosis, but the spouse and family as well, and that it is a journey to not attempt alone and unsupported. The “man to man” discussions will no doubt help those who may be afraid to admit they don’t have it all under control. I highly recommend this book. It is a quick read that provides a lot of great advice that will decrease the learning curve immensely.”
– Tara Reed, author of What to Do Between the Tears… A Practical Guide to Dealing with a Dementia or Alzheimer’s Diagnosis in the Family
