Who is Joan?

Joan Sturkie is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Baylor University. In 1985, while a school nurse at South Pasadena High School, Joan initiated a Peer Counseling program that was later replicated in other school districts. She served as President of the Peer Counselors Association and conducted workshops based on her first book, “Listening With Love—True Stories of Peer Counseling.” The book became a bestseller and had a significant impact, reaching teenagers and their parents nationwide.

In 1955, she married Roy, the love of her life. After college, she worked while he achieved his electrical engineering degree. At the age of 76, Roy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and Joan devoted the next 12 years to caring for him.

In 2021, she suffered a heart attack, hitting her head on cement, and sustained a traumatic brain injury. She spent only four days in the ICU and declined rehabilitation. She chose to go home to be with Roy. Two months later, he died. Despite her challenges, Joan remains committed to living life to the fullest.

With the help of a caregiver, she continues to travel, attends football and basketball games at her alma mater, writes books, and leads a productive life. When asked about her philosophy of life, she emphasizes, “Seize the moment and pray to do God’s will.”

What Readers Say:

“This book offers a unique perspective from a woman who chose to care for her beloved spouse with Alzheimer’s for the last 12 years of his life. She took her marriage vows seriously: ‘…for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.’”  —Melinda Lee

“The author has succeeded in allowing the reader to see that life is not over when a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. They still have feelings, but they feel that they are caught in a cage and can’t find a way out. If you know of a person with Alzheimer’s, you must see they get a copy of this book. It is informative and entertaining.” —Kevin & Ken Brown

“The final days of one’s life should not be wasted, no matter the circumstances. One can see beauty in each day. What I have learned from this disease is better explained by the author of this book because she lived 24/7 with her husband, Roy, during those twelve years until this dreaded disease took him home. ” —Jim Kisner

How To Order:

You can help support the Alzheimer’s Association by purchasing this hard-cover, 110-page, full-color book for $100. Please note that 100% of all profits will go to The Alzheimer’s Association or any Alzheimer’s non-profit organization you choose.

Order Form:

To keep our costs low and to enable us to donate the most to the Alzheimer’s Association, we have decided not to use online payment systems or major credit cards, as they take a significant percentage of the total price.

Kindly submit the form below and we will email you and invoice for $100.00 per book: