My wife of nearly 40 years, Hope, recently passed away from Frontotemporal Degeneration.  Until a few years ago I have never heard of this disease.  There is very little known about this illness which can take several years before being diagnosed. It robs the individual of their memories, security, empathy to others and their souls.  The Doctors we encountered on our journey have heard about the disease but know little about it except that there is no cure or treatment.  As a caregiver, I found very little resources to help except for those offered through AFTD.

That is why I am asking you to give to this fund raiser.  We must find a cure for this devastating disease.  Hope was more than a statistic.  She was a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and a sister.  Hope taught special needs kids for over 20 years.  She began teaching special needs kids because others would not.  When she was mentally drained, and I would ask why she continues she would remind me that every child deserves respect, love and should have the opportunity to learn to the best of their ability.  She referred to her students as her kids, and she loved every one of them. As her caregiver I saw her deepest decline happen when she could no longer teach. Hope was always the champion of the underdog.  Over the years we adopted dozens of rescued dogs. I truly believe Hope lasted as long as she did because of the love of her dogs.  She wished people could be more like them.  They are honest, just want to please you and give back love and comfort 3-fold more than the love they require.

I wanted to share just a little of what and who Hope was.  There are many tales like the one I shared with you.  The world loses a little bit with every victim of this devastating disease.  So please give what you can so someday we will not have to share stores of loved ones we lost to Frontotemporal Degeneration.

I chose to support AFTD's With Love campaign because I love someone with FTD. Will you choose to support me? Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to my fundraiser, the process is fast, easy and secure. Thank you in advance for your support and please share my page with your contacts via email, social media and/or text message.

About FTD: Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is the most common form of dementia for people under the age of 60. It strikes in the prime of life, gradually eroding an individual’s personality: their ability to speak, make sound decisions, control their movements, behave within social norms and relate to those they love. FTD devastates familial relationships, finances and even the health of family caregivers themselves. Currently there are no approved treatments, and most providers lack knowledge of appropriate care. Average life expectancy is 7-13 years after the start of symptoms.