Please help raise Dementia Awareness through film!

Hi guys! I wanted to share an exciting update on the short film “The Nurse” that I’ve been working on.  We now have our production team in place and will begin filming in June. But, I need your help to make this project a success. Please spread the word about this film to your friends and family. And, if you can, please consider donating to our GoFundMe page to bring this story to life. As I’ve shared, “The Nurse” is a powerful and emotional narrative about the impact of dementia on relationships and how love can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

This story will raise awareness about the effects of dementia on relationships and how one can still find hope and resilience in such a difficult situation.

If you are just now hearing about my project, it’s a short film I wrote that is a powerful fusion of “Still Alice” and “The Vow.” It shares an intimate and poignant narrative about a woman who is trying to care for her husband with dementia. In a raw emotional moment, she is asked to leave their home of twenty years when her husband, unable to recognize her, mistakes her for a stranger. She must now find a way to return and continue caring for the man she deeply loves. In an aha moment, she alters her appearance and comes back as her husband’s live-in nurse, caring for him, cooking his favorite meals and watching his favorite movies. Over time, her husband begins to feel safe with her and eventually realizes he is falling in love with her. Yes. She won his heart a second time.

I’ve heard from several of you that the story really resonates with you, and I can’t wait to share it with the world. Thank you for your continued support! I’ll keep you posted on the progress. Thanks again! You can see the trailer on the Gofund me site. https://gofund.me/f1ea2fe6

I’d love your help in raising awareness for an inspiring short film.

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Hello! We’re on the hunt for supporters to help us spread the word about a truly moving and inspiring short film: The Nurse. This heartwarming story follows an elderly couple living with Alzheimer’s as they navigate the ups and downs of their condition. When the husband doesn’t recognize his wife and asks her to leave their home, she embarks on a journey to find her way back to care for the love of her life. It’s a poignant tale of love, loss, and the awe-inspiring strength of the human spirit. Filming is scheduled for June 2023 in North Ridgefield, OH, and we’d love your help in sharing this beautiful story with the world. Thank you! #TheNurse #ShortFilm #AlzheimersAwareness #HumanSpirit #LoveAndLoss

If you would like to know more, please email thenurseshort2023@gmail.com.

Thank you!

Staying authentic and genuine.

I woke up this morning and enjoyed reading people’s posts. The emotions were raw as words spilled out about fears, growth, happiness, and having loved and lost with hopes of letting go and loving again. I want to send a heartfelt thanks to all those who put into words so eloquently all the emotions and experiences I can relate to. I am inspired to get back into writing and reading WordPress.

WordPress is such a juxtaposition against the social media posts that hold smiling faces drinking coffee watching the morning sunrise from their deck or vacation spot and a glass of wine at sunset. Everyone’s kids are excelling in sports, graduating, and getting married. Spouses are the most loving, supportive partners. Congratulations on another year of a happy and content life.

Recently a friend posted a comment on social media about having loved someone without regret but negatively commented about the experience. I reached out to make sure she was okay because she usually posts positive comments. She was fine, just going through the ups and downs of a relationship that had ended. She called me a few days later and told me a family member wanted her to take down the post. It wasn’t the message she should be sending. I told her to leave it, it was authentic and genuine, and it was how she felt. Life’s not always about cute cat videos and plastered smiles. I told her I would have never known to reach out to make sure she is okay had I not seen that comment. Sadly, anyone who dares to post a real emotion or struggle seems to be shot down with comments about the inappropriateness of airing dirty laundry. Somehow WordPress has escaped this, and for that, I am grateful.

Life after a brain bleed. #Second Chances

Second Chance Club

Expect

#Second_Chances by Joyce Kostakis

I glance at the calendar and remember that it is my one year anniversary. It is a good one. October 20, 2016, I joined the Second Chance club. I suffered a brain bleed and was hospitalized for eight days.

On my second or third day in the hospital, my doctor makes his morning rounds. “You are lucky to be alive,” he tells me as thoughts of I’d rather be dead than feel this level of pain race through my head. As if he can read my mind, he assures me the pain will go away. Thank God. I am relieved. I choose to believe him. I can expect this pain to go away.

“When?” I ask.