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“She sits in front of the man who raised her, served as her role model and supported her throughout life’s most challenging moments. And she misses him. She touches his face, holds his hands, searches his empty eyes. But still, she misses him.”
– Story on kare11.com, written by me.
As a reporter, I never wanted to write a story about my own family. As a daughter, I never wanted to live what those words described.
My father was my foundation. My rock. And yes, my role model. A talented businessman and natural athlete, he never hesitated to serve others. He lived his values of humility, generosity and kindness.
I was just becoming a new mom when my dad started his Alzheimer’s marathon – the last of his many marathons – in 2010. For the next nine years, my family struggled at every stage: from the early confusion, to the increased vulnerability and dependence, to our varied experiences with at-home caregivers, to moving my dad to a long-term care center, to his difficult last days. We were simply overwhelmed by the hidden grief and practical decisions awaiting us at every milestone.
But that marathon has become my motivation. Today, I offer mentorships to families currently on the course of this cruel disease. I offer workshops for long-term care centers to help bridge the communication divide between families and caregivers. And I share more about the marathon – the challenges and yes, even the subtle joys – with audiences around the world.
Because I want everyone to know, you’re not alone. I’m here to help others as they, too, say So Many Goodbyes.
Karla Hult is an Emmy, Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite award-winning journalist and passionate advocate dedicated to helping those saying So Many Goodbyes.
She’s worked in eight different newsrooms throughout the country, as a print reporter and TV reporter and anchor. Her favorite stories include those touching on international, political and cultural issues and, of course, stories shared from the heart, including her award-winning work on her family’s own Alzheimer’s journey.
Karla built her career on a foundation of esteemed education. She received a Master’s of International Affairs from Columbia University in New York, where she also earned a writing fellowship. And she graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from St. Olaf College in Minnesota.
Today, she continues to report and anchor for KARE 11, the NBC affiliate in Minneapolis, while also teaching tomorrow’s journalists as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, St. Olaf. But Karla remains most proud of her work as a fierce fighter, emcee and overall advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association and other organizations committed to helping the underserved in our greater and global communities, including the Minnesota-based Alight and People Serving People.
Karla lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Gary, their two strong girls, Grace and Isabella, and Hansie, their cat. The family loves traveling, reading and catching the sunset at Nana and PopPop’s home on their beloved Clear Lake in Forest Lake, Minnesota.
“She sits in front of the man who raised her, served as her role model and supported her throughout life’s most challenging moments. And she misses him. She touches his face, holds his hands, searches his empty eyes. But still, she misses him.”
– Story on kare11.com, written by me.
As a reporter, I never wanted to write a story about my own family. As a daughter, I never wanted to live what those words described. My father was my foundation. My rock. And yes, my role model. A talented businessman and natural athlete, he never hesitated to serve others: his family, his church, his community. He lived his values of humility, generosity and kindness.
