Look To The Stars News: Leeza's Place

Leeza Gibbons To Be Honored At Charity Garden Party

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:00:00 -0000

The 8th annual Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing Garden Party will take place in Los Angeles on October 11 and will honor Leeza Gibbons for her outstanding charity work.

The event – which also honors actress Sharon Glees – celebrates Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and operating high-quality affordable, multicultural housing developments which include a community space used to provide social and recreational services for GLBT older adults. Their goal is to provide a safe, nurturing environment that supports the well-being of GLBT elders.

Leeza Gibbons will receive the Ron Gelb Community Service Award for her contributions to elder LGBT communities through her non-profit Leeza’s Place. Leeza’s Place provides free services to family caregivers to help them navigate through their loved ones health challenges through education, empowerment and energy. Sharon Glees is set to be honored with the Triangle Square Pioneer Award for her advocacy on behalf of the LGBT community. The Emmy Award-winning actress has been a pioneer for LGBT civil rights through her positive portrayals in both film and television. She also stars in the upcoming film Hannah Free in which she portrays one lesbian’s journey.

The event will include a fashion show by designer Andrew Christian, as well as a silent auction that includes a number of exciting items such as a guitar signed by Melissa Etheridge.

The event will be held at the home of Dayna Devon & Dr. Brent Moelleken, 545 South Plymouth Boulevard, LA, CA 90020 (3 blocks east of Rossmore at 6th Street). Tickets are $150 and are available here.

Leeza Gibbons: Take Your Oxygen First - A Book For Caregivers

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Television host Leeza Gibbons will make a special appearance at the Cirlce of Care Leeza’s Place 3rd Anniversary in Sherman Oaks today.

Gibbons will be signing copies of her new book, Take Your Oxygen First, an inspiring new book that aims to energize caregivers of people with memory loss. With a forward by Larry King, the book is written for those giving care to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss disorders. Take Your Oxygen First is an informative and inspiring guide to taking care of yourself in order to meet the challenges of giving care to another. Heartfelt, candid accounts by television and radio host Leeza Gibbons and the members of her family – who cared for their mother Jean for more than a decade after her diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease – are combined with current medical, nutritional, psychological and spiritual information and advice for caregivers. Take Your Oxygen First shows you:

How the brain functions and how Alzheimer’s disease robs the mind of the ability to make memories.
The most current treatments available for all of the memory loss disorders.
How reaching out for help helps both your loved one and you.
How keeping fit physically and mentally allows you to give the best possible care to your loved one.
How guilt, anger, anxiety and depression can impede your caregiving and the best strategies to avoid them.
How caregiving can become the most spiritually rewarding challenge you will ever experience.

In Take Your Oxygen First, Leeza Gibbons introduces you to her family, including her father Carlos, Sr., her sister Cammy, her brother Carlos, and his wife Anne Marie, and all of their kids, and each of them shares with you their intimate experiences in giving care to Jean, in the hope that everyone taking care of a loved one can learn to take their oxygen first.

The book signing takes place at 2pm on Friday, May 29, at the Circle of Care Leeza’s Place, 5000 Van Nuys Boulevard, Suite 110, Sherman Oaks. Entertainment will be from Peggy Gohl, of Dean Martin’s Golddiggers.

To find out more about the book and order your own copy, click here.

Leeza Gibbons To Host Magic Of Memories Dinner

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Leeza Gibbons will join Fran Drescher in hosting the 6th annual Magic of Memories Dinner on April 25.

The event will take place at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach, California, and feature guests Larry King and Paul Mitchell CEO John Paul DeJoria. Tickets cost $250 per person, with proceeds going to benefit organizations such as the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, City of Hope, Food 4 Africa, Fran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer Movement and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Last year’s event raised over $930,000 for charity, and this year they are planning to top that.

To find out more about the event, check out this website.

LTTS Exclusive: Inside A Night To Make A Difference with Host Michelle Vink

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Michelle Vink

Look To The Stars’ lead host, Michelle Vink was on hand as a host of Leeza Gibbons’ A Night To Make A Difference Fundraiser on Oscar night. Read her story below:

“Without hope, life is just not worth living”…

Those were the words from Harvey Milk from the Oscar-winning movie, Milk. Despite the uncertain state of the economy and the lack of faith we keep hearing about on the news, there was an overwhelming resurgence of hopeful optimism at the Oscars this year. Winning storylines like Slumdog Millionaire and Milk captured that very essence.

A new type of Oscar party

I recall reading that Slumdog director Danny Boyle placed the money to be paid to the 3 lead child actors in a trust until they complete grade school, and that the production company set up a driver to take the kids to school every day until they are 16 years old. When the movie was nominated for an Oscar alongside all the Milk nominations, I knew it would be a good year.

Soon after that I learned of a new type of Oscar party that Leeza Gibbons was coordinating, called A Night to Make A Difference. The timing was impeccable, and before I knew it I was invited to help host the event.

Michelle with Leeza and co-host, Russell.

Celebrity organisers with special causes

Leeza wanted to “take the global stage of Oscar Night and use it to put the focus on advocacy, philanthropy and volunteerism.” With a team of volunteers and a production team fueled with the same passion, Leeza did just that. Helped by Olivia Newton-John, music legend David Foster, and several co-hosts, the team created “A Party with a Purpose.” This monumental event not only benefited Leeza Gibbons’ Memory Foundation and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, but also raised awareness for philanthropy and inspired a feeling of hope. This inaugural event was streamed live here on LooktotheStars.org, and on other sites including Variety.com , LeezaGibbonsOscarEvent.com, Glam.com and ExtraTV.com.

With the aid of Jessica Biel and her Make The Difference Network, an opportunity was created for viewers to donate to the cause or just open the door for people to get involved in a charity that is close to their own hearts. Check out MTDN.com for more information on Jessica’s charity.

Jessica Biel – photo by Levi Walker

An all-star cast of celebrity givers

Celebrities who came out to support this event and celebrate Hollywood’s big heart included Laila Ali (who uses her celebrity to get kids excited about physical fitness), Mel B., Jessica Biel, Wilson Cruz, Hilary Duff, Teri Hatcher, Tony Hawk, Paris Hilton, Slash & Perla Hudson (who donated a guitar to the auction), Kym Johnson, Mario Lopez, Melissa Gilbert, Jane Seymour & James Keach, Cindy Margolis, Terrell Owens, Holly Robinson-Peete, Suzanne Somers, Dee Wallace, Forest & Keisha Whitaker and many, many others. I was honored to interview Wilson Cruz (He’s Just Not That Into You) immediately following Dustin Lance Black’s win for Milk and I was moved by his passionate desire for change.

Michelle talks to Teri Hatcher during the event.

A responsibility to help

Rex Lee said of using his celebrity status for good, “For whatever reason, people out in the world pay attention to us, and if I say I support Olivia Newton John and building a new cancer center out in Australia, people listen. There is a responsibily in that.”

Michael Buble expressed his feelings on helping others, too, saying, “I think most people hopefully have compassion and empathy. We’ve been blessed, and we should help.”

Michael Buble and Paris Hilton – photo by Levi Walker

Manuela Testolini, founder of In A Perfect World, talked about giving back, saying, “It’s mutually beneficial. The thing that unites us despite our circumstances is the desire to create better world.”

Making a difference with makeovers

Another special touch to the event was the five women that were “hired” as extras from the LA Women’s Shelter. Celebrity hairdresser Ken Paves supervised red carpet makeovers for these women, providing hair, makeup and wardrobe. Shoes were donated by Jessica Simpson. The women were given life coaching lessons and a boost of confidence to help them show others that change is possible, that we can always reinvent ourselves (just like Madonna), and that there is always room for a second chance.

“Help other people”

While on the red carpet, Jane Seymour said, “It’s not just the Oscars, but giving back and helping other people. It’s about what you can do to help other people right now. The more we help other people, the better it will be for all of us. My mum always used to say to me, ‘When life is tough, go out and help other people’ […] Every single person on this planet can make a difference – it’s just an act of kindness.”

David Foster and Jane Seymour – photo by Levi Walker

So despite what we have been hearing on the news, it looks like there are a few of us out there that still believe in hope. Thank you, Leeza — it truly was a party with a purpose.

Look To The Stars Exclusive: Live Stream Of Leeza Gibbons' Night To Make A Difference

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Look To The Stars is proud to be involved in one of Hollywood’s premier charity Oscar parties this weekend. Leeza Gibbons’ A Night To Make A Difference will take place on Sunday, February 22, at the iconic Mr Chow in Beverly Hills, with a host of celebrities expected to attend. And Look To The Stars is streaming the event LIVE.

This unique event will bring together stars from film, TV, music, sports and fashion to celebrate the worlds of celebrity and charity. Special Ambassadors of Change who have used their celebrity to make a tangible difference in the world will be on hand to empower the audience to make a difference in their own lives.

Hosted by Leeza Gibbons, Olivia Newton-John and David Foster, the Night To Make A Difference will attract stars such as Paris Hilton, Jessica Biel, Forest Whitaker, Slash, Alan Thicke, Ashley Tisdale, Brooke Burns, Cheryl Burke, Cheryl Ladd, Chevy Chase, Danny Boyle, Darryl McDaniels, Dee Wallace, Hilary Duff, Holly Robinson-Peete, Jaclyn Smith, Jane Seymour, Joey Fatone, Jordin Sparks, Ken Paves, Mario Lopez, Mel B., Melissa Gilbert, Rick Schroder, Suzanne Somers, Taraji P. Henson, Teri Hatcher, Tony Hawk and many more.

“The Night To Make a Difference party is to benefit the [”Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/402-leezas-place] and my own Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Center," Olivia Newton-John told Look To The Stars. “But now it has morphed into a bigger night than just our two charities – it’s about everybody’s philanthropy and giving back. It’s a new era in America with the new Obama presidency, and it’s all about giving back, so we decided to make the night an evening about celebrity giving – like the theme of Look To The Stars.”

Other charities to be involved with the event are Jessica Biel’s Make The Difference Network, the Felix Organization, the Children’s Hospice & Palliative Care Coalition, Cancer Schmancer Movement, Blessings in a Backpack, the Red Cross, TreePeople, the Tony Hawk Foundation, the David Foster Foundation, Smiles For Life, The HollyRod Foundation and many more.

“This event is truly different from the others and one of the aspects I am most excited about is the ability for viewers at home to be a part of the experience via the live webcast,” said Leeza Gibbons. “With Arquiva and Highwinds handling the technical wizardry, we are able to focus on our message of advocacy and philanthropy. Our hope is to inspire people at home and around the world to take action and knowing that we are able to reach a broad audience on the web means we truly have a chance to help create the change presented by our on-camera Hollywood celebrities. I think it’s what happens when Hollywood stars converge with technical stars like Arquiva and Highwinds. Our combination of being behind the scenes of movie’s most glamorous night along wtih it’s most passionate and purposeful stars takes the gold for best new web idea!”

The event kicks off at 4pm in Beverly Hills with Red Carpet arrivals. For more information and tickets, visit the official Night To Make A Difference website. And be sure to visit Look To The Stars’ special live stream of the event on Oscars night.

Exclusive Interview: Look To The Stars Talks To Olivia Newton-John

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

With four Grammy Awards and a further eight nominations behind her, Olivia Newton-John is nothing short of a legend in the music world.

Born in England but raised in Australia, Olivia was talented singer from a young age and passionate about music: she released her first solo album in 1971, and in 1974 represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. A long list of hits, including I Honestly Love You and Let Me Be There, led to her being cast as Sandy in the film version of Grease in 1978.

The early 1980s were phenomenal years for the young star, and she had a string of hits including Xanadu, Let’s Get Physical, and Suddenly. But in 1992, on the eve of a world tour, Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was the start of a long battle for the Grammy Award winning artist, but she eventually overcame the disease and returned to music.

She also devoted herself to helping other cancer sufferers, and now plans to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Australia, which will provide complementary therapies to support patients on their cancer journey, treating mind and spirit as well as the body. The Wellness Centre is Olivia’s special passion, with a focus on the whole person and not just the disease.

This weekend, the singer will join Leeza Gibbons in hosting A Night To Make A Difference, a star-studded Oscar party sponsored by Look To The Stars celebrating advocacy, philanthropy and volunteerism in Hollywood.

Look To The Stars was lucky enough to chat with Olivia about A Night To Make A Difference and her thoughts on making the world a better place.

Hi Olivia, tell us a little about the Night To Make A Difference event.

The Night To Make a Difference party is to benefit the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation and my own Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Center.

Leeza walked the Great Wall of China for my charity last year. She’s an amazing person and is committed to sufferers of Alzheimer’s Disease and the caregivers of those sufferers. She came up with the idea to do an Oscar party as a fundraising idea for our two charities.

But now it has morphed into a bigger night than just our two charities – it’s about everybody’s philanthropy and giving back. It’s a new era in America with the new Obama presidency, and it’s all about giving back, so we decided to make the night an evening about celebrity giving – like the theme of Look To The Stars.

We want celebrities to talk about the good things they are doing and share the things that they care about. It’s all going to be able to be watched live via webcast on www.extratv.com and www.glam.com. People are going to get a chance to see celebrities from television, film, sports and music at this wonderful evening at Mr Chow in Beverly Hills. David Foster is going to be our co-host – he’s a man who has been greatly admired and respected in Hollywood and around the world for his music, writing, and producing. I’ve known David for a really long time and I am so happy he is going to be a part of this.

It’s going to be a carbon neutral event, we’re going to plant a tree for everybody who attends. This will erase the carbon footprint, which is also something I do in my spa in Gaia in Australia. I think it is a wonderful thing to do.

It’s going to be a really wonderful evening. Joining Look To The Stars as sponsors is the Make The Difference Network and many more great charity organizations. And Leeza, David and I are going to be the hosts. It’s going to be a great night exploring the themes of advocacy, philanthropy and volunteerism.

Tell us a little about the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Australia.

The Austin Hospital in Melbourne has been the premier cancer centre in Australia for a long, long time and they asked me if I would put my name on a cancer unit they were going to build there. I went to see their facilities and they were so run down and in such bad repair that I said I would love to help them, but only if they also build a new wellness centre. When I had cancer – in 1992 – I was lucky enough to have things to help me in body, mind, and spirit. I had meditation and yoga, I had homeopathy and acupuncture and all these alternative therapies that helped me get through the whole healing process, emotionally as well as physically. So I wanted to create a place on the hospital grounds that could offer that. That became part of the appeal, and I am very excited about that.

We’ve been fundraising for it for five years. We held a major fundraising event last year when we spent three weeks walking the length of the Great Wall of China, which was amazing. We raised $2 million.

I’m also lucky to have the support of celebrities such as Cliff Richard and Dannii Minogue. Leeza Gibbons is an Ambassador. A few of the stars who did the Great Wall Walk became Ambassadors. Because I can’t be there all the time, they can represent the hospital and help with fundraising. I’m so happy because people are so committed and so wonderful, and it really helps me such a lot and helps the hospital with all the events we put on. And in this environment it is a great challenge, but cancer is a challenge that everyone is facing. I went to the hospital not so long ago when I was in Australia, and I went to visit some of the patients there and it really is amazing how many people are battling cancer – and in such different age groups, they’re getting younger and younger.

What would be your message for someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer?

The best thing I could say is “Here I am.” When I went through it and had just finished my treatment, I met a woman who said “Oh, I read in the paper that you had breast cancer – well don’t worry, I had it 20 years ago and I’m fine now.” That was a defining moment for me. As unimportant as it may sound to other people, for me it was huge – here she was 20 years later and she was ok. I thought to myself “Well if she could do it 20 years ago when the treatments weren’t as good” – it was a really enlightening moment.

So what I would say to new patients is “Here I am” and give them that hope and do something for them emotionally. Make them feel good. Encourage them to take care of themselves.

That’s what I always say to women – we’re always so busy taking care of everybody else that we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. They really need to look at that and take time for themselves to heal. Here’s a little quick tip I like to give: Have a close friend or loved one field all the calls asking you how you are doing. Everybody wants to know how you are, but it is very exhausting to constantly have to talk about your illness. So if you get someone to do that for you, it clears you from having to take all those phone calls and focus on healing.

You’ve done a lot of work in recent years promoting breast self exams – tell me a little about that.

I have this very simple but very effective device called the Liv Aid. It’s a very simple medical device that helps you with your breast exams. It makes any changes in your breasts more defined because it enhances your touch.

Curves gave a million of them away when I walked the Great Wall of China, and they still have some. You can go to Liv.com and read about it and about breast self exams and the whole philosophy behind it.

What I really want to do is encourage women because a lot of women are afraid to self examine their own breasts as they are scared they will find something – which defeats the whole purpose. Early detection is key. So I’m trying to encourage women at a very early age to get into the habit of doing self-exams. I actually found my lump myself – it wasn’t seen on mammograms. I don’t want to scare anyone or put them off mammograms, but just to encourage people to be self aware. If you do find anything – and usually it is nothing, because women do get benign lumps quite often – if you catch it early, then you have a better chance at survival. It’s simple and easy to do.

What other causes and charities would you urge people to support?

I’m involved with the Amazon Centre for Environmental Education and Research (ACEER). My husband has a wonderful company called the Amazon Herb Company that brings in herbs from the Amazon Rainforest. Not only does he bring in these wonderful healing herbs but he also helps support the inhabitants of the Amazon rainforests gain titles to their land, and now we have teamed up with ACEER to help educate the children of the Amazon into the importance of maintaining the rainforests – they live in it, they don’t realize that not everybody has a rainforest in their backyard. It’s incredibly important for them to save it from within. So we provide them with boats, food, clothes, but the main focus of the ACEER affiliation is education. We also want to educate the outside world too. There is so much to learn from the rainforests, and we are losing them at such an incredible rate.

My husband is incredibly involved with that, and he’s a wonderful person. He has just released a wonderful new health drink called Zamu, made from a superfruit from the rainforest called Camu, which is a feel-good fruit. It clears your mind and brightens your day. I’m helping him with that because a portion of the profits goes to ACEER.

Everything I do revolves around health and wellbeing. I have a spa in Australia called Gaia Retreat and Spa which is up near Byron Bay. My music is also tied in – I did a CD called Grace and Gratitude, which is healing CD.

How can we – as regular human beings – make a difference and help the planet, those around us, and ourselves?

I think we all need to try and be in a place of love. Fear cannot exist in a place of love. So if we try to stay in a positive place – which I know is very difficult – then we can create a positive future.

I think we will all get through whatever life throws at us, and we will all be better on the other side of it.

Look To The Stars would like to thank Olivia Newton-John for taking time out of her busy schedule to talk to us. To find out more about the Night To Make A Difference Oscar Party – which will take place on February 22 at Mr Chow in Beverly Hills – check out this website. To learn more about Olivia’s upcoming tour, see her official website. And to read Olivia’s personal message to the victims of the recent Australian bushfires, click here.

Leeza Gibbons And Olivia Newton-John Present A Night To Make A Difference

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Look To The Stars is proud to be a sponsor of an exciting event that is set to take Oscar night by storm. Leeza Gibbons, Olivia Newton-John and David Foster are bringing together a host of celebrities for A Night to Make a Difference to focus on advocacy, philanthropy and volunteerism.

The star-studded and inspirational event will be held at Beverley Hills’ exclusive and iconic Mr Chow, which will be transformed into a “living set” as it provides a backdrop for a very special interactive Oscar viewing party. This unique event will bring together stars from film, TV, music, sports and fashion to celebrate the worlds of celebrity and charity. Special Ambassadors of Change who have used their celebrity to make a tangible difference in the world will be on hand to empower the audience to make a difference in their own lives.

The list of Ambassadors of Change is long and includes Laila Ali, Jessica Biel & Make The Difference Network, Cindy Crawford, John Paul DeJoria, Fran Drescher, Hilary Duff, David Foster, Leeza Gibbons, Melissa Gilbert, Erin Gray, Tony Hawk, Slash & Perla Hudson, Larry King, Ali Landry, Mario Lopez, Gloria Loring, Darryl McDaniels, Dr Phil & Robin McGraw, Olivia Newton-John, Holly Robinson-Peete & Rodney Peete, Jane Seymour, and Amy Smart.

“We call it a “party with a conscience” and it happens live on the internet (via EXTRAtv.com and Glam.com)," Leeza Gibbons told Look To The Stars. "Our correspondents are the stars themselves who have been inspired or moved to action by Hollywood’s example and leadership. We will create a “living set” inside Mr. Chow and cut live to our “Glam lounge” where lifestyle reporters will give viewers ways to take Hollywood’s example for confident building looks . We’ll also show how Hollywood beauties (ranging from classics like Audrey Hepburn to contemporaries like Angelina Jolie) have used their beauty to make a difference in the world. We will feature the ways in which Hollywood is leading the charge in the green movement and demonstrate how Hollywood’s huge heart has become a catalyst for good all over the world."

The event will even be carbon neutral, and a tree will be planted in honor of each attendee to erase their carbon footprint.

“Of course , we will have plenty of fun too!” said Leeza. “David Foster is our entertainment director and he is delivering A-list performers. We will have fans interact with our guests to get inspired and learn that together we are stronger than anything than threatens to tear us apart. Favorite Oscar moments, favorite Oscar hosts, and of course, plenty of fashion and flair! It’s all part of our Night To Make A Difference, which is a benefit for the [”Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/402-leezas-place] and Olivia Newton John’s Cancer and Wellness Centre in Australia."

The Night To Make A Difference takes place at Mr Chow, 344 N Camden Drive, on February 22. Dinner guests will be treated to a specially planned and prepared 10-course dinner featuring Mr. Chow’s world famous cuisine while watching the Oscars, and there will also be a special celebrity auction.

The event is expected to sell out. For more information and tickets, visit the official Night To Make A Difference website.

And be sure to stay tuned to Look To The Stars for more coverage of this exciting event.

Look To The Stars Asks Leeza Gibbons

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:08:26 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Leeza Gibbons has been entering the living rooms of America for over 25 years. Through her tenure as anchor of Entertainment Tonight in the 1980s and 90s and her popular talkshow Leeza (which garnered 27 Daytime Emmy nominations), Gibbons became a household name while highlighting her intelligence, sensitivity, and compassion.

As a presenter, producer and business woman, Gibbons exudes positivity and energy – she celebrated her 50th birthday while performing on season 4 of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars. And as well as launching her Fearless campaign to motivate women to live fearlessly at any age, she also has time to promote her own brand of mineral based makeup – Sheer Cover – and develop her Sheer Inspiration Life Coaching business. She even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As if that isn’t enough, Gibbons is also currently training to take part in Olivia Newton-John’s Great Walk To Beijing to raise money for cancer treatment.

In 2003, Leeza Gibbons left her high profile television career to form the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation – an endeavor she dedicated to her mother, who had recently been diagnosed with a debilitating memory disorder.

“I promised my mother I would take her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and use it to educate and inspire,” she said. “We’re doing that through [”Leeza’s Place":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/402-leezas-place], intimate settings in cities across the country where the newly diagnosed with any memory disorder and their caregivers can get education, empowerment, and energy free of charge as they prepare for the journey ahead."

Look To The Stars was lucky enough to catch up with Leeza recently, and asked her a few questions about Leeza’s Place and the Great Walk To Beijing:

Leeza’s Place sounds like an interesting and helpful concept. What does it offer caregivers and those who suffer from memory disorders?

We offer a way for families to get connected, get coached, and get confident about their new reality after diagnosis. It’s not just memory disorders (even though that was our portal into the non-profit world). We have found that the challenges of caregiving is universal. Our approach is to take away the clinical setting and the fear and put together a team of support and create a strategy for coping. Our goal is to replace the feeling of helplessness with hopefulness and empowerment. Our programs are really popular with everything from support groups to scrapbooking to exercise to reiki to drum circles…but where we really succeed is in creating a sense of family and safety.

You were inspired to start the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation by your mother, but what inspired you to incorporate care for caregivers as part of your endeavor?

Whenever there is a diagnosis within a family, the disease or condition doesn’t affect just the individual with the health crisis, it creates a crisis for the entire family and loved ones. Many times caregivers decline at a rate faster than the diagnosed individual…often suffering from a myriad of stress related conditions that affect their own health and their ability to offer care. We have found that the better we can care for the caregivers, the better the outcomes are for those with the disease and the more likely it is we can help prevent families from unraveling…spiritually, emotionally and financially. We believe that no one should be left behind and no caregiver should ever feel alone.

Why is it important for caregivers to reach out and get help?

Everyone feels isolated and almost paralyzed by fear when a health crisis breaks into the domestic bliss of a family. Depression is a common by-product of caregivers and those diagnosed. Reaching out, getting support, and getting coached makes life better for everyone.

Do you have a message for those caring or dealing with loved ones living with a memory disorder?

This is not a disease that is going to wait for you to be ready. My message is to be flexible and forgiving…both of yourself and your loved one. Some days you will get those “kisses from the angels” and some days you will wonder if you can do anything right. It’s important to realize that while you are in an intimate relationship, you can’t take the behaviors of your loved one personally. I remember when my mom told me, “When I kick and scream and call you names, know that is the disease talking and not me.” It was so helpful to recall as she progressed through the disease. Mom saw her own mother disappear behind the veil of Alzheimer’s disease. She knew where she was heading and what her fate would be. She has shown amazing courage and grace.

It took a great deal of personal courage to step away from the world of TV and work to help others. Many of our readers want to do more to help people, but find it difficult to make a start. Where did you find your courage, and do you have any advice for others who want to help?

I have always found that the happiest people in the world are those who have found something bigger than themselves to place their energy and enthusiasm. Destiny? Sense of purpose? I’m not sure about any of that, but what I do know is the stronger your connections to other people, the deeper your sense of contentment. It’s my way of living fearlessly because I am around such profound examples of courage.

What have you gained as a person from your work with Leeza’s Place?

It would be impossible to explain how deeply I feel about our work at Leeza’s Place. To know that we are of service is a great gift. To see the communities we have helped facilitate is a blessing. To know that my family’s legacy has found such fertile soil is deeply humbling. Every time I see the relief on the faces of families who find their way to us and hear the sighs of understanding, I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be. My co-founder, Dr. Jamie Huysman, is also our executive director and the greatest friend a person could ever have. Jamie has taught me to believe in listening to the universe and having faith. He helps me everyday step forward in my purpose and passion with the quiet confidence of knowing that I will find or be shown a way to make a difference.

Why did you decide to join Olivia Newton-John’s Great Walk To Beijing? What is your motivation?

I am so proud to call Olivia Newton-John my friend. Her innovative effort to take a unique team of walkers to China is so inspiring and I’m really excited to support her Cancer Wellness Center in Australia with the Walk to Beijing ‘08. It’s a mystical place and such a fitting celebration for Olivia’s 15th year of being cancer free and a powerful way to usher in her 60th year. She has spent her life representing empowerment and possibilities. I have always loved that she is a great example of transformation. I will lace up my shoes and lock in my heart and be grateful for my health and for my healthy family.

Look To The Stars would like to extend our thanks to Leeza Gibbons and Bobby Xydis for their time.

Anybody wishing to learn more about the work of the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation and Leeza’s Place, including where to find their help, can visit www.leezagibbons.com and www.leezasplace.org.

Look To The Stars News: Leeza's Place

Leeza Gibbons To Be Honored At Charity Garden Party

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