On February 20, approximately 50 people from across Sydney gathered at Paddington Uniting Church to launch the book Living with Dementia: A Carer’s Journey, authored by Alicia Dong and with artworks by Gloria Liang.
The book draws together a series of 11 articles and paintings first published in the SSH in 2024, chronicling Alicia’s six-year journey of caring for her husband, Stuart Gardner, with an additional artwork painted by Gloria for the cover.
Alicia expressed her thanks to Miriam Pepper, the editor of the book; Gloria; Andrew Collis, SSH managing editor and minister at South Sydney Uniting Church; graphic designer Rob Young; Pastor Michael Hercock and Georgina Hare from Paddington Uniting Church; and all attending the launch for their support.
“I am blessed and grateful for a dedicated and committed team who brought the publication of the book to fruition and made this event possible,” said Alicia.
“We have donated 10 copies to the Dementia Australia library, which is a national service, and they are placing a copy in the library in each capital city across Australia. We want to reach more carers and their loved ones sharing similar journeys, including those young carers in their 20s and 30s.
“I believe that my husband, Stuart, is smiling now, knowing that all his sufferings and mine would not be in vain, and he would be proud of me that I am doing my very best to support more carers.”
Gloria also expressed her thanks to all involved in the project and shared her experiences of illustrating Alicia and Stuart’s stories. “Capturing the changing emotions and steps in their journey was both a challenge and a joy,” she said.
In the foreword to the book, geriatrician Professor Peter Smerdely wrote: “This book gives a clear and honest look at what it’s like to care for someone with dementia and offers useful advice for anyone in a similar situation … it’s also a reminder of how much love, patience, and effort carers give every day. By sharing her experiences, Alicia helps us understand the challenges carers face and how we can better support them and the people they care for.”
He also commended Gloria’s beautiful paintings, commenting that they “help show some of the feelings and experiences of Alicia and Stuart in a way that words can’t always express. They make the book even more meaningful and engaging.”
Speaking at the launch, the Rev. Andrew Collis said: “It’s an honour to stand here and celebrate this book. The whole thing is deeply loving and emotional, humane, wise, practical, devastating, uplifting, real … I’d like to acknowledge the precious and costly nature of this love, and the love it invites in response.
“May the book bring comfort, insight and strength to all who walk the journey.”
The book is published by South Sydney Uniting Church and may be ordered for $39.95 (plus postage) by contacting admin@southsydneyuniting.org.au
Gloria’s paintings are on exhibition on Saturdays March 1 and 8 at Paddington Uniting Church, 395 Oxford Street Paddington, and are available for purchase.
[…] ‘Living with Dementia’ book launched in support of carers and their loved ones You can read about the book launch and art exhibition here. Thanks to Miriam for writing this article for the SSH March issue: https://southsydneyherald.com.au/living-with-dementia-book-launched-in-support-of-carers-and-their-l… […]
I really enjoyed Stu’s company, every time he came to Monterrey Mexico and when i visited him in Ingland. He always made sure I understood his advices and recomendations in my job at Vitro, and used to bring presents for my kids.
He had lots of good friends out of England, my goal was to visit him and Alicia in Australia.
Of course, lots of time he expressed to us all his inmense love and great feelings towards Alicia.
God bless Alicia in this marvelous adventure of sharing his experience to other people suffering dementia. I’m sure Stu is happy in heaven REP.