Frankly Speaking Alzheimer's

WEBISODE #3: Retired and Frustrated
Frank is forced into early retirement and struggles to find things to do to fill his day.
WEBISODE #2: Death is in the Air
Frank is struggling to find an upside to his diagnosis and frankly discusses his impending death. Fran talks about how a close family member just died and how difficult that was to watch.
WEBISODE #1: Voila! – a Movie is Born
Frank is depressed and struggling to find any upside to his diagnosis. His daughter Joleen suggests they make a documentary movie about what they’re going through in an effort to help others.
WEBISODE #(sneak peak): Openly Discussing the Diagnosis
Fran & Frank take to the podium at the Alzheimer’s Association-Greater Michigan Chapter fundraiser, The Chocolate Jubilee, in an effort to help others by discussing Frank’s diagnosis and how it’s impacted their lives thus far.
WEBISODE #(sneak peak): Nowhere to Live
Joleen and Fran try desperately to find another assisted living home for Frank, as they anxiously await his release from the geriatric psych ward and assume that his last home will not be allowing him back after some bouts with aggressive behavior.
WEBISODE #(sneak peak): From the Fog to the Dance Floor
Joleen arrives the assisted living home to visit Frank, only to discover that he is very agitated and far away today. Joleen creatively uses many techniques including music to communicate and connect with her dad, and a stunning result is witnessed!

What is Frankly Speaking: Alzheimer’s?

Frankly Speaking: Alzheimer’s (FSAlz) is an unfolding firsthand experience of love, compassion and pain – through the eyes of a devoted daughter. This online expose’ from Emmy Award-winning storyteller Joleen Firek features excerpts and experiences from her life and documentary-in-the-making in an attempt to spin her family’s devastating experience with Alzheimer’s into a positive learning opportunity for other grieving families.

Enter this website to watch, learn and share. Through the unfolding Webisode Series, get introduced to Frank Firek, a remarkable man who is on an extraordinary journey into the unknown. He is funny, good-natured, polite and brave. A noteworthy person to nearly everyone he's ever met, Frank loves the camaraderie of people in general and reaps immeasurable enjoyment from mentoring and helping others. This online project and documentary gives him the opportunity to always be a mentor to others in need – whether he’s here or not.

As this saga continually proves, the helplessness of being afflicted with and affected by Alzheimer’s is some days more than a heart can bear… and yet on other days, hidden treasures are discovered beneath the rubble.

Experience Frankly Speaking: Alzheimer’s and learn that, even amidst a family tragedy, it IS possible to connect stronger, rebuild deeper and live with yourself knowing that you’ve given everything you can.

Who are The Fireks?

The Fireks are a close-knit loving family in Michigan who are doing the best they can to support one another and their father Frank who has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Their daily trials and tribulations are caught on tape documentary-style and shared here as a powerful way to help others understand what to expect and how to best maneuver the constantly changing landscape of this complicated disease. Key to this unfolding real-life story is that The Fireks don’t shy away from important topics like depression and caregiver stress overload, nor do they ignore tough issues such as losing one’s dignity and assisted suicide.The Fireks try to survive this real-life nightmare, armed with knowledge, love, patience – and humor! And somehow, magically, Frank maintains a fun & whimsical side throughout his decline, rarely wavering in his ability to smile, sing & dance! In the face of a devastating experience, The Firek Family ultimately finds strength and seeks to be an inspiration to all. read more...