JONI ALDRICH - A CANCER GURU

A marriage that seemed like it was made in Heaven. Joni and Gordon Aldrich were successful in all aspects of their lives whether separately or together. They were the storybook couple others envied. When cancer struck Gordon, he dealt with it without blaming, anger, or any of the things that cause pain to loved ones. Throughout the first two years as they struggled for answers, after the first course of treatment was wrong, they found a clinic a thousand miles away where the treatment was effective. They had defeated cancer and were home free. But, he had gotten the correct treatment too late and the cancer came roaring back. Again, Gordon was brave and optimistic as was Joni, but it was not to be denied. Only in his last two weeks did Gordon break down and these were to remain indelibly horrible in her memory.Joni Aldrich’s first book about cancer was titled The Saving of Gordon.All her books are useful for anyone facing cancer or any kind of operation or treatment that could be debilitating or life threatening. The Saving of Gordon details their struggle to get proper diagnosis and treatment of his cancer. This and her other books are not just about dealing with brain cancer, but how to more effectively deal with the insane complexity of and interrelationships between the medical, hospital, pharmaceutical, and insurance industries. It could bankrupt them and our country.Joni’s books are roadmaps of how to survive being a caregiver. With two-thirds of caregivers dying (from the stresses) it is critical to know how to deal with the stresses of any illness to patient and caregiver. She would much rather have Gordon alive and well, but her courageous battles have made her an illness Guru. Her books are a living memorial to Gordon and reading them will spare others the horrors she has endured.