PRAISE FOR KICK-ASS KINDA GIRL
Kathi Kolls creativity and passion put a buoyant spin on her brilliant caregiving strategies, but mostly I love the way this book places caregiving into the context of life. It isnt about surviving as the child of an alcoholic or as the devoted spouse of someone whos suffered a debilitating stroke; its about living a life powered by joy, motivated by love, and lifted by hope. Joni Rodgers, New York Times bestselling author of Bald in the Land of Big Hair
Ultimately, Koll comes across as a potential friend, someone who listens well and willingly opens her heart. Since she cant be everywhere to help those who need her hard-won wisdom for moving forward, Kick-Ass Kinda Girl is a worthy surrogate. BlueInk Review, a Booklist partner
Kick-Ass Kinda Girl is an entertaining roller coaster of a memoir whose second half will be particularly pertinent to caregivers. Foreword Clarion Reviews, 4 stars
With her husband, Don, facing a debilitating illness, Kathi Koll had a choice to make: She could trudge on, fulfilling her role with her head down and teeth gritted. Or she could choose life for both herself and Don, honoring their time together with joy and energy. In Kathis new memoir she maps out a plan for caregiving with compassion and hope. Her story is a testament to perseverance, spirit, and character. Senator Bill Frist, MD, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader, surgeon, and cofounder of Aspire Health
Kathi Kolls passion and spirit shine. Her story is a stellar example of a life fully lived despite devastating circumstances. Read it, read it again, and gift it to someone who needs a dose of laughter-through- tears along with a lot of inspired practical ideas for caregiving as a dynamic, creative, and uplifting act of love. Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen and New York Times bestselling author of Promise Me
True love, selflessness, and caring exist in this world and Kathi Kolls story offers proof. This masterful work will touch many hearts and give any child of God a reason to believe in the greatness of life lived and surrendered to love. Now more than ever we need words that heal, are kind, offer hope, and reveal the power of encouragement. This book is a wonderful gift and all who read it will feel they have found a sister in Kathi. I highly recommend it to anyone needing to restore their inner strength and faith. Mother Dolores Hart, OSB, prioress of the Abbey of Regina Laudis, and author of The Ear of the Heart: An Actresss Journey from Hollywood to Holy Vows
This book, full of jaw-dropping challenges, unstoppable love, and true inspiration, could not be arriving at a better time, as I believe we could all use a mega dose of whatever is in Kathi Kolls emotional tool box. Lucie Arnaz, Golden Globenominated, Emmy Award winning actress
For virtually her entire life, Kathi Koll lived in the front row seat of caregiving. From alcoholism to cancer to Dons debilitating stroke, Kathi felt the full force of brutal illnesses, and yet she dug deep as a caregiver to respond to it all with strength, honesty, and a dignity that blazes a trail for the rest of us. Peter Rosenberger, author of Hope for the Caregiver, host of Caregivers with Hope radio show, and husband/ caregiver for 30+ years.
Kick-Ass Kinda Girl is a deeply moving and personal story of love, compassion, devotion, anguish, sorrow, courage, and strength, beautifully told by Kathi Koll. It is the perfect gift for anyone seeking a path through pain to a place of joy, peace, and understanding. Alexandra de Borchgrave, president and chairman, Light of Healing Hope Foundation
Like the 1984 Olympic U.S. Hockey Team win against Russia, Kathi Koll pulled off a miracle. Her husband Don was not supposed to live for long after suffering a catastrophic stroke, let alone thrive for over six years in the comfort of his own home surrounded by loved ones. I witnessed Kathis spirited determination firsthand as she actively and lovingly addressed the challenges posed by Dons debilitating illness. For Kathi, impossible meant nothing. Her miraculous ability to seize every possibility for hope as she orchestrated with expert precision a medical team that would rival any hospital ICU reveals a woman of great strength and courage. Kathis moving story is an indelible portrait of one woman facing the impossible with grace and gumption and never giving up. Harley R. Liker, MD, CEO of Liker Consulting, and associate clinical professor of medicine at David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA
With humor, grace, and raw honesty, Kathi Koll reveals the personal struggles she has faced as a daughter, a sister, and a spouse selflessly caring for loved ones in need. She brings a unique perspective to a universal experience, and her story offers valuable lessons on how caregivers can improve the quality of their lives and by doing so, improve the quality of care they give others. Donna Benton, PhD, director, USC Family Caregiver Support Center
In this captivating and touching memoir, Kathi Koll offers a fresh perspective on the relationships that define our families and the care and devotion we give our loved ones. Here is a story of courage, love, and resilience, no matter what life brings. This is a must-read for all healthcare professionals, their patients families, and anyone in a caregiving role. Farzad Massoudi, MD, fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Kathi Koll is the most modern of genuine American ladies. Her kick- ass demeanor is reminiscent of the frontier women who pioneered the trails of our countrys western expansion. Her journeyfrom Lucille Ball to Laura Bushis powerful, relatable, and personally inspiring. Read this book, as the lessons learned are priceless. Christopher Meigher, publisher of Quest magazine
Published by Ward Publishing
P.O. Box 5470
Newport Beach, CA 92662
Copyright 2018 by Kathi Koll
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without written permission from the copyright holder or a stated representative. Requests for permission should be sent to .
Cover design by Zoe Norvell
Cover image Alita Ong / Stocksy United
Book design and production by Alex Head / Draft Lab
First edition
ISBN: 978-1-7323649-1-2
Printed in the United States of America.
To the many caregivers whose tireless courage and devotion are endless.
The world is a better place because of you and the loving example you set for us all.
A single person is missing for you, and the whole world is empty.
Joan Didion
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTER TO READERS
I f my story inspires anyone, I feel I have accomplished my goal. Its not a how-to, but more of a story of challenges that proves one can still enjoy life and find rainbows.
Why did I write this book? At one time my answer would have been, I dont know. Throughout my colorful life, friends have said, Youve got to write a book. Id think of some of my fun experiences, but I always circled around to, Whod care?
Now, I hope people who have found themselves in the complex situation of being a caregiver will find hope in my words. My story is unique, but so are all of your stories. Being a caregiver, no matter what economic stratosphere you come from, is a badge of courage that no one should have to wear. It eats at our hearts and the depths of our being. Caregivers are definitely number two, but in reality they should be number one.
