Derek Denckla is the co-writer of the script for Corona Crazy: The Musical, slated for performance at the NY Theater Festival 2026, and the co-owner of Hey Ho Let’s Go Productions, which he founded with composer and co-writer Benjamin Hey!
Every year for 10 years, my Irish mother Isabel "Issy" and I attended the annual Irish Books Arts and Music (IBAM) weekend at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago.
Edmondson, a Mindworks member who holds an MS in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University, is a veteran health writer and editor, a narrative medicine specialist, and an expressive writing and art-journaling workshop facilitator. Here, she explores how a narrative medicine-informed advocate can be a game-changing asset for patients and providers.
Our older son, Ken, has lived four decades with a chronic condition bringing him pain, discomfort, and unwelcome surprises. Yet he carries himself cheerfully, generous with conversation and appreciation. One of his gifts is his annual tradition of sending holiday cards to friends, family, and anyone who touched his life that year—including his doctors and their staff. He spends hours writing each card by hand, filling every blank space with tiny script.
I was led back to the recovery room to see my 25-year-old daughter, Haley, who was just starting to rouse after having a pacemaker implanted.
