My FTD journey began more than a decade ago, when my mother, Theresa Bryant, started showing signs that something wasn’t right. Once warm and outgoing, she became distant and uncharacteristically blunt. Doctors first told us it was Alzheimer’s. But something in me knew that wasn’t the full picture. After months of searching and questioning, we finally received the correct diagnosis: behavioral variant FTD. She was just 60 years old.

That diagnosis changed everything. My mother’s journey taught me how important it is to advocate fiercely — not only for our loved ones, but for every family affected by this disease. When she passed away, she left me with two parting instructions: Be bold and take risks. Those words have guided me every day since, and they continue to guide my work as AFTD’s Board Chair.

Being bold is what brought AFTD to where it is today, and it’s how we will continue paving the path forward. This past summer, our community mourned the loss of Helen-Ann Comstock, AFTD’s founder, whose vision turned personal tragedy into a national movement. Helen-Ann’s determination to connect families, educate clinicians, and drive research was the foundation on which all our progress rests. As we celebrate her extraordinary legacy, we honor her by continuing the work she began — moving us closer each day to a world free of FTD.

In our fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, that spirit of determination powered every area of our mission. AFTD launched its first-ever Policy Agenda and expanded our network to over 2,200 advocates, and FTD awareness continues to grow, fueled by people courageously sharing their stories. This year, FTD families and advocates were featured across national media, from Spencer Cline’s recognition as ABC’s “World News Tonight” Person of the Week to Linde Jacobs’ profile in The New York Times.

We strengthened our network of support, adding 14 new groups — including options for college-aged care partners, LGBTQIA+ caregivers, and bereavement support for former care partners — while our new FTD Support Group and Diagnostic Center Locator makes it easier than ever for families to find help close to home.

AFTD continues to drive groundbreaking research. We celebrated the 20th anniversary of our Pilot Grant Program, launched a new Biomarkers Initiative, and introduced newsletters focused on the science of FTD that connect researchers and the FTD community.

As part of the 2025 Education Conference, we hosted our first Genetics Symposium. It was attended by 248 people and so well received that AFTD is making it a permanent part of the conference, with plans to livestream it for those who cannot attend in person. Launching the Provider Outreach Volunteer initiative was another meaningful opportunity for our wonderful volunteers to help us bring FTD awareness to the healthcare community.

Every milestone reflects where AFTD started and how far we’ve come together. As we look to the year ahead, I carry my mother’s voice with me, urging us all to be bold, take risks, and keep building on Helen-Ann’s legacy. Together, we are paving the path forward to end FTD.

With gratitude,
Rita B. Choula, MA
Chair, Board of Directors