Apr 26, 2023
“She sits in front of the man who raised her, served as her role model and supported her throughout life’s most challenging moments. And she misses him. She touches his face, holds his hands, searches his empty eyes. But still, she misses him.” These are the words spoken by Karla Hult, founder of So Many Goodbyes and award-winning journalist. In her own words, Karla started a marathon called Alzheimer’s with her father and experienced all the challenges, grief, decisions, and moments of joy with her family during the nine-year journey. This became her motivation to create So Many Goodbyes.
As a public speaker, Karla provides workshops for families, caregivers, older adults, and senior living communities, offering mentorship to families currently in the throes of Alzheimer's to bridge the gap of communication between families and caregivers. During our interview, Karla shared her story, how her father's diagnosis changed her family, the truth about Alzheimer's, staggering numbers, and all the goodbyes that families experience when they walk through this with their loved ones. Karla sees the pressing need for support, and her family's story has opened doors for others to do the same.
She is hopeful about the movement of awareness around Alzheimer's and the initiatives she's seen in the space. Karla has an amazing support network that she pulls education and information from. Her message is simple: "We're in this together, and you are not alone." I am honored to have interviewed Karla and to highlight the wonderful work she is doing, not only nationally but also in my community. Thank you, Karla, for sharing your story and supporting others so beautifully. I'm so grateful for you!
Learn more at www.somanygoodbyes.com
Karla Hult is an Emmy, Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite award-winning journalist who's worked in eight different newsrooms throughout the country. Her favorite stories include those touching on international, political and cultural issues and, of course, stories shared from the heart, including her award-winning work on her family’s own Alzheimer’s journey.
*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
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Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.