WXYZ Channel 7 TV, Detroit - KC Mehta Interview
Friday, March 8, 2024 - 7:00 pm, 450F (170C) - Drizzle
On Jan 11, 2024, out of blue, I got a call from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B asking me if I would be interested in a WXYZ TV Channel 7 interview on “Why it is important for caregivers to take a break.”
Area Agency is changing their name to a new name - Age Ways, and as part of their promoting the new name, they wanted to showcase a caregiver’s interview in it.
I went to the Area Agency on the 12th at 9 am and was interviewed by Keenan Smith of WXYZ news anchor. I was the only one interviewed and it aired on the WXYZ TV Channel 7 on Tuesday, Jan 16 at 6 am, 4 pm and 5 pm (ET)
I used the following four talking points that a break to me as a care giver provides an opportunity for:
1) LEARNING (and educating myself about the disease)
2) PROCESSING (and channeling my emotions, feelings and thoughts)
3) CRAFTING (solution for Sumi’s safety and well-being)
4) CONNECTING (Giving back to the society)
During the interview, I expanded on these four points. On top of these points, Keenan asked many other questions about Sumi, our care giving Journey and Alzheimer’s disease.
The interview must have gone on for about 20 minutes… hard to keep tract of time as I was so engaged. I was not sure how much they will show. A minute or two of the visual and the sound bites are an eternity on the TV.
Interview took place in the small lobby of the Area Agency. Two black chairs facing each other and the cameraman behind and side of Keenan (WXYZ interviewer). Keenan said the interview went well. I wondered how it will come out.
At the end, the cameraman asked a very perceptive question (as he was also listening to the interview)….he asked, “How have you changed in the last 10 years?” When you come home after the interview, you always feel you could have answered some questions better. This 10 year question was one of them. There was so much I could have said but I answered it in a short….. “I am at peace with myself.” And added few other points. Reflecting on this, I thought I should write a separate blog to answer this question someday.
After the interview, Keenan asked if I had a photo of Sumi and I showed him her photos from the MJWS book. The cameraman captured the cover page, Sumi’s photos, ramps, the blue shower chair and also Sumi’s two smiling photos 47 years apart.
I gave one signed copy of the book to Keenan. I found him to be very humble and very approachable. He shared his email with me and I plan to stay in touch with him. The interview was aired on the WXYZ Channel 7 on January 16. Keenen sent me a link to the video of that interview which is attached here.