Running All Over The World

Through this book you’ll be inspired to:

• pursue an active lifestyle and why that matters
• create new adventures and how that stimulates your brain
• discover and follow new passions that fuel your life
• cherish the time you spend with your loved one
• find new ways to create the life you’ve always wanted

Running All Over the World: Our Race Against Early Onset Alzheimer’s is both a travel memoir and an inspiring resource for healthy living while facing Alzheimer’s.

Foreword for “One Footstep at a Time: Our Race Against Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Continues”
By Susie Singer Carter

Alzheimer’s is a stealthy disease. Similar to the villain in a horror film, Alzheimer’s makes its presence long before anyone is aware. And like the antagonist’s next victim who hears a strange bump in the night but chalks it up to a mischievous cat, we ignore the subtle signs. We brush them off with oh-so-logical excuses. “Everybody forgets!” (That’s true.) “She’s always been forgetful.” (She has.) “I’m just juggling a lot right.” (You are.) But deep down inside, we know this time is different.

Ultimately, we turn a corner and are face to face with the ugly truth. We, or someone we love, have fallen prey to a relentless, cruel monster. Although our initial instinct is to run or fight like hell, sooner or later we are forced to accept the fact that we are not going to defeat this enemy.

Our story will not have a happy ending.

Given that fact, what can we do? Turns out… a lot. I mean, truth be told, despite all efforts, everyone’s story ends.

As a filmmaker, if I was asked to produce a story with these parameters, I would focus on the parts of the story I could control. I would ascertain everything my protagonist can do and lean into those
strengths to develop a story that represents a life well lived. A journey that showcases the best life has to offer which would include love, purpose, consistency, and new adventures. One that embraces each and every new normal like we would a new friend.

It’s what I did in my short film, My Mom and The Girl, which
starred the irrepressibly talented Valerie Harper in her final performance. The film reflected a day in the life of my mother who lived with Alzheimer’s for 16 years. The film showcases what it looked
like once I learned to lean into my mother’s world as opposed to constantly trying to bring her back into the one where she once belonged. I describe the film as a “joyous look at Alzheimer’s.”

It’s also how I describe this book, “One Footstep at a Time, Our Race Against Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Continues”, written by
Anthony L. Copeland-Parker, as well as his first book, “Running All Over the World: Our Race Against Early-Onset Alzheimer’s.”

The first book covers the initial five years of Tony’s journey in his new role as caregiver for his Lifetime Partner, Catherine, who was
diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 53. This book proffers the next five years.

I first met Tony when he was a guest on my podcast, Love
Conquers Alz. As he described how he was honoring his commitment to support, Cat, in sickness and in health, not only did he debunk the idea that there are no male caregivers, but I also realized he was the living, breathing poster child for the title of our show.

While there is nothing inherently joyous about Alzheimer’s, our perspective and approach to the disease can forge some of the
most remarkable, rewarding, and, ironically, memorable moments of our lives. That’s what Tony has achieved and what he explicitly shares in this inspiring, easy-to-read, and highly informative book.
He also imparts step by step how he has remained fluid by leaning into Cat’s ever-changing abilities throughout her Alzheimer’s Journey. The result is a story that represents a life—make that two—well lived. And that’s really all anyone can hope for.

Through their mutual love of running—and each other—
Tony holds Cat’s hand throughout the Alzheimer’s marathon, as they traditionally do every single finish line they cross.

~ Susie Singer Carter, Award-winning filmmaker, actor,
podcast producer/ host, and Alzheimer’s/caregiver advocate.