TV journalist, speaker, and author Leeza Gibbons says she’s had the opportunity to live the life of her dreams, and she loves telling the stories of people’s lives. Her biggest story happened when her mother got Alzheimer’s disease, like her mother before her. “By watching these important women show up with such grace and dignity as they battled the thief of memories,” Leeza says, “I learned that there is great power in facing our fears and great humanity when someone opens up to receive the help of others.” When her mom asked her to tell the story of their family’s journey and to “make it count,” Leeza created Leeza’s Care Connection – to make sure those who are forgetting will not be forgotten and to honor the courageous caregivers who stand by someone they love.
Leeza is an Emmy winner, New York Times best-selling author, Rose Parade host, and she has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but her favorite title (aside from wife and mom) is storyteller. Her dad learned to summon his strength when he cared for her mom until her death, and now, through Leeza’s Care Connection, Leeza learns from many others who have found courage they never knew they had. “I am profoundly grateful for this blessing and honor,” she says. “It is a treasure in my life, a daily reminder of the power of the human spirit and a great story to tell.”
Interviewed by Winn Claybaugh in 2004, Leeza discussed her mother and grandmother, their Alzheimer’s diagnoses, and why she created a foundation to support caregivers everywhere. Winn says, “I love the friendship I have with Leeza Gibbons. She is truly one of the nicest people I have ever known, and she has thousands of references that would tell you the same thing about her. I love every opportunity I have to support her in what she is passionate about.”
RELATED LINKS
Website: https://www.leezascareconnection.org
Website: https://leezagibbons.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezagibbons
Twitter: https://twitter.com/leezagibbons
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLeezaGibbons