What is I’m Still Here and how did it come about?
I’m Still Here is a song and music video I wrote and co-produced with Julian Sundby, The Fort Studios, about a man struggling with Alzheimer’s. The song is inspired by my late husband, Richard. You may find it on most streaming platforms under Caregivers Survival.
I classify my work and music as being about reaching hearts. I am neither a singer, nor do I play an instrument. I like to say “I became an instrument.” My recent album, “Thorns & Roses,” is composed of a variety of songs, some of which add healing frequencies for caregivers. The stress of caregivers is unforgiving, and healing through music is a great platform to do so. My music is expanding in this direction as I continue to move forward.
The song is produced under Caregivers Survival, LLC, which I founded to help Alzheimer’s caregivers and their families. As an organization, we also have a website CaregiversSurvival.com.
Who initially inspired you to grapple with dementia?
My late husband died of Alzheimer’s in 2017. I was his caregiver for 7 years, therefore, I understand the difficulty of the journey. My journey inspired a creative outlet for me.
How has working on dementia-related art changed you?
It created a platform of creativity for me to communicate with others with a purpose. I was in real estate and banking in my former career. Songwriting is a new outlet for me at age 70.
How has the work been received?
My work and care have been uplifting to others. I get referrals from friends about people struggling as a caregiver and I send them to my website for help. My music also is well received and continues to be promoted by caregivers. Songs from “Thorns & Roses” were even played at an Alzheimer’s fundraiser walk in Naples, Florida. “Thorns & Roses” is recently nominated for the 2024 Album of the Year – MultiGenre by The Josie Music Awards in Nashville.
In addition to I’m Still Here, I also wrote and produced Straight A’s for Caregivers Rap, outlining tips to help caregivers in a fun and playful style. The tips are a compilation from not only me but other caregivers in my network. The Caregivers Rap was shown at an Alzheimer’s caregiving conference in Virginia. The album “Straight A’s for Caregivers” is a narration of these helpful tips, along with a caregiver-guided meditation.
My commitment to this cause expands beyond the music, including hosting a showing of the PBS Caregivers Documentary Alzheimer’s The Caregivers Perspective to increase awareness and facilitating caregiver groups through the Alzheimer’s Association.
This work is dedicated to: I’m Still Here is dedicated to my late husband, who died of Alzheimer’s in 2017.
Find more from Catherine Marie on her Website and on Facebook and Instagram, and I’m Still Here is streaming on all major platforms.
