Joni Aldrich

We are born with a path to our own destiny. Mine was to become an author and speaker on surviving cancer, caregiving, brain illness and grief. The preparation for that journey was a culmination of life experiences - good and not-so-good. The biggest trial came from the tragic death of my husband, Gordon, at a young age to metastatic brain cancer. I’m driven by a belief that there is a desperate need for practical information about the challenges that are the powerful focus of my work. Having never written a book before in my life - or even aspired to do so - I published five wonderful books last year. They cover difficult topics, which I attack with dignity, humor and energy. There are many lives to be touched.

This need shines through my books, including The Saving of Gordon: Lifelines to W-I-N Against Cancer, and Connecting through Compassion (for loved ones of brain cancer patients). The recently released "sister" book - Understanding with Compassion - is to help those caring for a dementia, Alzheimer's disease or stroke patient. It was recently reviewed by the executive vice-president of Alzheimer's Foundation of America, and will be featured on their Website.

My personal inspiration comes from the ocean. I seem to have an open connection with God and my creativity while I’m looking out over the waves. It’s through long walks on the beach that all my books came to life. We are only on this earth for a short time. Not one hour or day should be squandered away. Never miss an opportunity to reach out to help others, but temper that with not forgetting to love those closest to you. Give and receive, live and believe…

HOPE - a one-syllable word that will keep you going when all of the other more impressive words have failed to sustain you.