Daughters organizing walk for their Dad with Frontotemporal dementia
April 17, 2010 by Holly
The incidence of Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is on the rise. It is often mistaken for a bipolar or depressive mental disorders because FTD begins affecting the front and side lobes of the brain–responsible for emotions, language and personality. Alzheimer’s usually begins in the back of the brain where memory centers are located. The average age of a person with FTD is between 40-60 years which usually means they are working full-time, as well as their spouse. Often young children are still living at home.
Earlier this week I was contacted by a young woman, JD Scaggs, whose dad, Dave Scaggs, has frontotemporal dementia. Dave was a high school teacher/coach and well respected in his community of Sandy Spring, Maryland. JD and her sisters want to honor and help their Dad so they have organized an event…
WHAT: Scoot for Scooter 5 km. fun run/ 1 mile walk
WHERE: Sherwood High School, Sandy Point, Maryland
WHEN: May 16, 2010 at 10 am (rain or shine)
WHY: raise awareness and research money for Frontotemporal dementia
For more information please go to www.Scoot4Scooter.com . If you don’t live in the area, you can still donate online, or help to spread the word.
It is beautiful to see what these young people (who are going through painful times) are doing to help future families who will be affected by this progressive and terminal illness.
Terri Shultz on Sat, 24th Apr 2010 3:09 pm
Good luck on the walk. It is important that we get out and spread the word to not only the public, but to healthcare workers. I lost a brother and sister to this terrible disease. We too are working hard to educate. I wish I could be there for the walk, but will have just returned home from a trip to Colorado. My mom and I will travel to Colorado for the screening of a new documentary “Planning For Hope” which we participated in. It is basically a varied group of families sharing their stories and experiences.
Our website is not active yet, we are under construction…but hope to make a difference in educating the medical communities around the country.
Holly on Sun, 25th Apr 2010 6:22 am
Hi Terri,
Thank you so much for your response. I would love to chat on the phone with you because I feel that we are walking similar paths for our purpose. My husband has FTD (dx- 3 years) and I am in the process of building an Association for Caregivers of Dementia–an online presence which gives hope and guidance to caregivers. I have a great phone plan so I could phone you. If you are interested, please email me your number at hollyeburne@gmail.com. I am looking for people who want to make a difference in the world of dementia.
Thank you kindly,
Holly
Allyson on Wed, 28th Apr 2010 11:27 am
Thank you so much, Holly, for helping us get the word out. We have 375 people registered already to participate in our 5K/1M Run to benefit AFTD. The community of patients, caregivers and concerned friends has overwhelmed us with incredible support. Thank you, for all you do to raise awareness for FTD.
Holly on Wed, 28th Apr 2010 2:37 pm
Allyson, it is wonderful to meet other people who have a strong purpose in raising awareness about FTD. The journey isn’t as lonely.
Best wishes to you and your family for your event and post-event.
Holly
Bruce on Wed, 19th May 2010 7:25 am
Thank you so much, Holly, for helping us get the word out. We have 375 people registered already to participate in our 5K/1M Run to benefit AFTD. The community of patients, caregivers and concerned friends has overwhelmed us with incredible support. Thank you, for all you do to raise awareness for FTD.
Holly on Wed, 19th May 2010 8:07 pm
Congratulations Bruce. It is wonderful having support. Thanks