Alumni News: Cathartic relief found with book release

By Brent Frankenhoff

Annette Zapchenk Clarke

By Brent Frankenhoff

Annette Zapchenk Clarke, a member of the Amherst High School Class of 1984, was diagnosed with stage three renal failure about a year after graduation. The daughter of Ron and Joanne Zapchenk, Annette dealt with her diagnosis by first altering her diet to one that would sustain her remaining kidney function as long as possible, followed by dialysis and transplants. With her mother working at Saint Michaels Hospital in Stevens Point in the dialysis department, Clarke had an informed advocate at her side throughout her journey.

Along the way, she was able to study internationally where she met her husband, Stewart, who was traveling Europe from his native Australia. The couple met the challenges of Annette’s condition together, temporarily relocating to the U.S. from Australia for a time when Annette needed to be closer to her kidney team in Madison. Eventually, they were able to return to Australia, settling in a coastal area southwest of Melbourne with their cat, Rufus.

Clarke recently released Full Circle The Secret Life of Annie, sharing her 40-year journey with others. She told the Spirit that her mother influenced the book and they felt it would be both inspirational and cathartic to others facing many of these same challenges. “I’ve been able to maintain a full life despite having chronic renal disease and the challenges it brings,” she added. “Writing the book was also a healing experience.”

She said that her career, which had to be structured around her health needs, “has focused on nurturing and fostering people in the fields of human-centered design, community engagement, and corporate communication. I also had the privilege of being a marriage celebrant and yoga teacher.”

Full Circle is available through Barnes & Noble’s website at barnesandnoble.com/w/full-circle-annette-zapchenk-clarke/1148183484?ean=9798319682154. The Lettie Jensen Library also has a copy available.

Clarke said that she’s gotten good reactions on her story from family members, friends, and work colleagues, including this review: “Full Circle is a beautifully written, composite memoir depicting both a ‘coming of age’ rural Wisconsin girl facing the difficult life of living with kidney disease, and a chance encounter love story that takes her 9,000 miles from home.”

She said that she would like to write another book, “But perhaps one that’s not as personal.”