STILL PHYLLIS: A CAREGIVER’S MEMOIR
“Donald Friedman brings his considerable literary gift to this memoir of despair, and with that gift fills the pages with the flickering light of the spirit.”
―William Kotzwinkle author of ET the Extraterrestrial and Felonious Monk
All royalties from sales of Still Phyllis have been assigned to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation
My sister Phyllis was a vital, single woman, a photographer and writer, who was enjoying life in the city when she was suddenly stricken by Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a disease rarer than a lightning strike that spreads, incredibly, via a non-living molecule called a prion. Terrified to realize she couldn’t perform her duties at work, Phyllis very soon couldn’t even find her way to her desk or to her apartment from the corner store. Informed of her diagnosis with this dementing and always fatal illness, I, her estranged brother, her only living relative, brought her home (against the advice of her doctors) to care for her with my wife.
This memoir tells the profoundly affecting family drama that ensued. It is a story of reconciliation and of how, paradoxically, closeness can deepen when words are lost—a truth that I hope will inspire others with a friend or family member with dementia.
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All royalties from sales of Still Phyllis have been assigned to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation
Donald, this sounds like a beautiful book, and you a beautiful man. I remember you well from Mrs Bass’s English class, and the night she and her husband took us to NYC for my first off- Broadway play. Best, Caren
I was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) four years ago. For over two years, I relied on conventional medications and therapies, but unfortunately, my symptoms continued to worsen. My coordination deteriorated, I experienced increasing memory issues, and my overall cognitive and physical function declined rapidly.Last year, out of desperation and hope, I decided to try a herbal treatment program from NaturePath Herbal Clinic. Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but within a few months of starting the treatment, I began to notice real changes. My symptoms stabilized, my memory improved slightly, and I regained some coordination and clarity. Incredibly, I also felt my energy and sense of self beginning to return.It’s been a life-changing experience. I feel more like myself again better than I’ve felt in a long time. If you or a loved one is struggling with CJD, I truly recommend looking into their natural approach. You can visit their website at w ww. naturepathherbalclinic .com.