By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – In an emotionally candid episode of The Other Side of Okay, host Allie Potter reunited with former colleague Al Mazeika to spotlight the often overlooked realities of spousal caregiving. For more than three decades, Mazeika has stood faithfully by his wife, Kathy.
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Their journey began in 1991 when the sudden loss of Kathy’s father triggered an acute onset of bipolar 1 disorder, setting off years of hospitalizations, medication management, and therapy. Decades later, Kathy faced another battle—a diagnosis of endometrial cancer, followed by a rapid cognitive decline that developed into severe dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Throughout the interview, Mazeika opened up about the profound psychological toll that comes with watching the person you love fade away.
He spoke honestly about grappling with anger directed at the disease itself, feelings of helplessness when male instincts to “fix the problem” proved ineffective, and the heartbreak of moments when Kathy no longer recognized him.
When Kathy’s safety required moving her into a full-time memory care facility in Mesa, Mazeika admitted to feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt, describing the transition as feeling “like a criminal” despite knowing it was necessary for both of their lives.
To stay grounded, Mazeika leaned into therapy, stayed socially connected with friends, and remained actively involved with family, making regular trips to visit Kathy every other weekend. His key message to fellow caregivers—especially men, who are often underrepresented in support spaces—is that nobody should ever attempt to walk this path in isolation.
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By encouraging open dialogue, attending local caregiver networks, and participating in events like Tucson’s Walk to End Alzheimers, Mazeika hopes others find the community and resources they need before reaching a breaking point.
Despite the trials of their 45-year marriage, Mazeika’s devotion remains unbroken.
Remembering their life together as a true partnership and fairy tale, he reflected that even knowing how painful the final chapters would be, he would gladly do it all over again in a heartbeat.
His story stands as a poignant reminder that while caregiving can test every limit of human endurance, love and connection can remain resilient through the darkest seasons.
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