My birthday...but a wish for you
Some of you have asked about my mom from time to time, and since our story is very public, I like to share occasionally. Stopped by Mom's apartment in the assisted living facility she lives at these days to drop off a few necessities for her. Her apartment continues to remain spacious and sparsely decorated. She spends most of her time in her room, watching TV and tatting or reading. She's given up many other crafts and social activities. I think dementia, caused by her bipolar disorder, makes social activities hard for her. She can't maintain her focus on so many different people in large groups. She's aware that her memory is going. But dementia means that she forgets things. Like her only child's birthday. Or, it means that she remembers calling me two years ago on my birthday, and well, that is the same as calling me on my birthday this year in her mind. So my birthday came and went unnoticed by Mom. Or so I thought. Tonight, she handed me a neatly wrap
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The Bill Cunningham Show is working on an episode about the family members of compulsive hoarders to be taped in NYC on Wednesday November 16th. This program will focus on the challenges faced by compulsive hoarders and their families in trying to overcome this mysterious and often misunderstood disorder, as well as the impact of the hoarding on the children/family members who have lived or are living in a cluttered and often chaotic environment.
If you, or someone you know is struggling to overcome compulsive hoarding and you live with a teenager, we would like to hear your story. We understand the sensitivity of the topic, and would discuss options for protecting the identity of the family. We are also looking for adult children of hoarders who we would pay for flights, hotel and meal money and would try and give them help they need.
Please feel free to contact me at the info below and pass on to people you know. Thanks
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Felicia Miller-Stehr
Senior Producer
The Bill Cunningham Show
(o) 212-419-7429
(c) 646-853-0549
fmiller-stehr@billcunningham.com