Former Gov. Martin Schreiber crusading for Alzheimer's caregivers

With wit and wisdom, former Gov. Martin Schreiber has embarked on what may be his most important campaign, bringing help and encouragement to Alzheimer's caregivers.

Schreiber's new book, "My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver," details his journey caring for his wife, Elaine, who has Alzheimer's disease.

The book, co-authored with Cathy Breitenbucher, was officially released Wednesday at the Milwaukee Press Club's Newsroom Pub. Net proceeds from the book will be used to promote Alzheimer's caregiver support programs. And Schreiber is eager to get the message out, embarking on a campaign-style tour, with some 50 events scheduled over the coming months.

"If Alzheimer's is bad, ignorance of Alzheimer's is worse," Schreiber said. "There are two patients, the person with dementia and the caregiver."

Schreiber and his wife first met in a high school Latin class. It was love at first sight, and it is a love that carries him to this day. He has learned to cope with his wife's illness and the aching loneliness in his life.

"There's a saying that rather than worrying about the storm to pass, try and learn how to dance in the rain," he said.

The title from the book, "My Two Elaines," is about the woman he fell in love with as a high school freshman, married and raised a family with, and the woman who now lives with Alzheimer's disease.

Schreiber said he had to let go of that first Elaine, so that he could be a good caregiver to his wife.

"I'm determined to help caregivers cope and survive," he said.

Further information is available on the website mytwoelaines.com.