Acclaimed Spoken Word Author Cleo Childs Recognizes June, Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
In recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month this June, Cleo Childs, a rising voice in the world of spoken word poetry and Alzheimer’s advocacy, invites organizations, media, and community groups to collaborate to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on families.
With alarming statistics from the National Institute of Health revealing that deaths from Alzheimer’s have increased by 145% between 2000 and 2019, and a predicted 24 million cases worldwide, there’s an urgent need for greater understanding and support for those affected by this debilitating condition.
Childs recently released her debut spoken word project, “Moving With,” a collection of 14 poems set to evocative music, chronicling her personal journey through her mother’s six-year battle with Alzheimer’s and her early passing at the age of 66. The project, available on all major streaming platforms, has resonated deeply with those touched by the disease, offering solace, hope, and understanding.
“If there is one thing to know about my mother it is that she is a kind person,” expresses Childs. “‘Your mother was such a kind woman’ is the phrase I heard repeatedly when telling friends and family about her passing. What a beautiful legacy to leave behind: kindness. My mother shines through me when I engage in kindness. I hope you will join me this June in honoring my mother’s legacy of kindness by being kind to yourself and kind to others.”
With music produced by the esteemed Jim Reilley, known for his work with country music legends like Hal Ketchum and Vince Gill, and edited by Grammy-nominated folk singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier, “Moving With” provides an emotional journey through the stages of shock, denial, acceptance, resolve, and grief. The project aims to foster a sense of community and understanding among those affected by Alzheimer’s.
“Cleo Childs has a gorgeous new release – a collection of self-penned, powerful poems, performed with a brilliant band,” says Mary Gauthier, Grammy Nominated Songwriter. “It is an emotional ride, a journey, a song-poem cycle of love, grief, and faith. This is a powerful collection of performances by a brilliant young artist. I had the honor of editing some of this work, and I am deeply moved to hear the completed work.”
“Cleo Childs is releasing a ‘chill bump’ collection of lyrical poetry read over a musical composition that will reach the depths of your soul with its raw emotion and ‘make you feel’ descriptive words,” adds Founder and President of Global Songwriters Connection, Sheree Spoltore. “The sound of Cleo’s voice expressing our universal human emotions of loss, grief, and desire for healing in brave words that we may ‘dare not speak,’ opens the door for true healing for every listener. I am honored and humbled to have been a part of her process from the start of this project and believe she can be a legacy poet for this generation.”
As Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month unfolds, Cleo Childs offers a unique perspective that can deepen public understanding and empathy for those affected by Alzheimer’s. Organizations and media outlets are encouraged to collaborate with Cleo to amplify this critical message and support the Alzheimer’s community.
About Cleo Childs
Cleo Childs released her spoken word poetry album “Moving With” on May 15th. This album is the culmination of two and a half years of writing about the journey of grief she experienced after losing her mom to Alzheimer’s when she was 28 years old. Her mother was an English major in college and her grandmother, who is also one of her editors, was an English teacher for 30 years so she came by her grief processing tool of writing poetry naturally. With this spoken word poetry album, she hopes to show the path her grief took from having her mother, losing her mother, and the peace and acceptance she feels now. She also hopes to give an authentic and honest look at what her grief felt like so other people going through grief don’t feel alone and feel community in their grief. You can learn more about her and the project on her website.
About the Collaborators
Mary Gauthier is a Grammy-nominated American folk singer-songwriter and author whos evocative songs have been covered by esteemed performers worldwide including performers including Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Kathy Mattea, Boy George, Jimmy Buffett, Bettye Lavette, Candi Staton, and Amy Helm.
Sheree Spoltore is a music industry professional, career coach, and mentor dedicated to empowering songwriters and artists to reach their fullest potential.
Jim Reilley, Co-founder of The New Dylans, is an accomplished producer known for his contributions to the music industry.
RELATED POSTS
Cleo Childs Releases Spoken Word Album, “Moving With,” To Raise Memory Care Awareness
Author Cleo Childs Discusses “Moving With” Alzheimer’s
Nashville’s Premiere Jazz Station, Jazzy 88, Spotlights Deborah Wagnon, Acclaimed Author Of “Marie Sharp: Made In Belize (The Authorized Biography)” In Recent Interview