Trail: Pacific Crest Trail     Goal: 2650 Miles

Dates: Jul 001 2018 - Dec 25 2018

Hi everyone! I'm hiking in support of the Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). 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 ... more

Hi everyone! I'm hiking in support of the Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). 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 is difficult to diagnose, often mistaken for Alzheimer's, depression, Parkinson's disease, or a psychiatric condition. FTD devastates familial relationships and 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. My mom was officially diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) in 2014, after years of painful uncertainty. Her life, and the lives of our family, have changed in a way that has been hard to reconcile. Since my mom's diagnosis, my eldest sister and my dad became my mom's caregivers, and everyone in the family has been learning to cope with the disease, and the ambiguous loss that accompanies FTD. The support of organizations such as the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) has been incredibly helpful to us. I'll be walking 2650 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail as a fundraiser for the AFTD. The AFTD is a national nonprofit working to improve the quality of life of people affected by Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) and drive research for a cure. My mom dedicated her life to my family. I wanted to find a way to show my mom how much she means to me, and to support the efforts of all families who navigate life with FTD. I hope you will consider supporting my fundraiser, and together we can get one step closer (or 2650 miles worth of steps closer) to faster and more accurate diagnosis, treatment, and maybe even a cure for FTD. Thank you so much for your time and support! less

Kaitlyn Heffron

Aug 20 2018 6:02PM

Ellen Speranza

Aug 14 2018 6:00PM