New Book Release: WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY







  

I am happy to report that the book I have been working on and referred to in previous posts, Window of Opportunity: Living with the reality of Parkinson's and the threat of dementia is now finished and is available in ebook formats at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/412572.

The print version of this book will be published by Pygmy Books and will be available on their website, if all goes according to plan, some time before April 1, 2014. UPDATE:  PREORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED STARTING MARCH 4, 2014 AT PYGMYBOOKS.COM FOR DELIVERY BY LATE MARCH.

Here are some comments I have received from the handful of readers who have graciously taken the time to review the book for me:

"Window of Opportunity is the story of one person’s journey through the initial signs of cognitive impairment brought on by Parkinson’s disease and the uncertainty of a future that might include dementia. Kirk Hall, only 58 at the time he began noticing small signs of mild cognitive impairment, tells his story with directness, candor, sensitivity and humor.  He describes the long and seemingly endless visits to doctors seeking answers to his disturbing symptoms and the confusion caused by conflicting opinions about the progression of his disease. His copious notes on his symptoms and mental state allow him to describe in vivid detail his slowly coming to grips with disability and the increasing lifestyle changes required to offset progressive cognitive difficulties.  He shares the internal struggle, anxiety and stress that uncertainty causes, not only for himself but for his family as well.

The book is a tribute to someone who is able to maintain a positive orientation despite the threat of something as devastatingly frightening as dementia.  It is also a journey of discovery as Kirk transitions into the healing aspects of giving back to the Parkinson’s community through helping others and sharing his story. Indeed the reader will take away important insights into the importance of keeping a patient journal, patient self-advocacy, and shared decision-making. And, perhaps most powerful of all, are the insights into how a potentially disabling diagnosis can be a “window of opportunity” to contribute in a meaningful way to the body of knowledge about a disease and to help others on the path."
Diane Cook
Leader, LEAP Parkinson's Support Group
People with Parkinson's Advisory Council, Parkinson's Disease Foundation Colorado State Director, Parkinson's Action Network
Senior Patient Advocate, ProjectSpark Foundation

"Your book is an excellent piece of work. I particularly enjoyed reading about your history and your approach to handling the difficult things God has allowed you and your family to face.  The chapter on faith was inspiring and very humbling.I can only imagine how useful this book will be to a large number of folks who are facing similar situations."
Rich Carnahan, Ph.D.
Retired Aerospace Engineer

“I just opened the first chapter about 2 hours ago and couldn’t stop….I just finished it. It is an excellent book!” 
Carol J. Walton
CEO, Parkinson Alliance

 “Just finished reading the manuscript and can truly say what a wonderful book this will be for so many people…PWP, family members, caregivers. It was an easy read, honest, ‘story like’ which, for me, lends itself to being a page-turner. You could truly hear your voice, the passion and desire, to help educate others.”  

Cheryl Fortunato

Daughter of an LBD patient

"Window of Opportunity" is a unique, first-hand account of the "in between time" that comes upon acceptance of a diagnosis and before succumbing to an illness. This thoughtful, unflinching narrative explores the author's journey from his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in 2008 through his research into the mysterious threat of cognitive dementia in his future.

 When my mother was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, I searched for a book like ‘Window of Opportunity.’ It is a touchstone for those struggling with a dementia diagnosis and the people that love and care for them.” 

Leigh Ramsey

Daughter who lost her mother to LBD

Window of Opportunity: Living with the reality of Parkinson's and the threat of dementia is now available in ebook formats at smashwords.com ( and most other major online retailers for $5.99.  It is not yet available at amazon.

Pygmy Books is taking preorders at pygmybooks.com for shipment in late March (http://www.pygmybooks.com/BuyBooks.html)-page 2.  The book price is $14.99.