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Personal Stories
Dance in the Rain, by Philip Bimstein
Philip Bimstein, a musician and an associate instructor at the University of Utah, wrote, composed and performed “Dance in the Rain” as part of an interdisciplinary seminar class on dementia that was offered to undergraduate students at the university. The…
That’s Me, by Sydney Grau
Developed by college students at Penn State, the Kith & Kin project showcases the stories of eight families. That’s Me is one of the eight stories, written and produced by student Sydney Grau, that captures the story of Nancy Palfey,…
Life after Diagnosis, by University of Utah students
As part of an interdisciplinary class on dementia, University of Utah undergraduates had the opportunity to attend an FTD support group. Meeting with a couple coping with the challenges of FTD inspired the song “Life after Diagnosis,” which they wrote, composed,…
Sensory Overload, by Maxanne McCormick
Artist Maxanne McCormick, who lives with FTD, wrote that her painting Sensory Overload shows how she feels, “with too much stimulation from noise, crowds, activity, etc.”
In Our Dreams, by Helen Keough Sears
In this essay Helen compares her experiences with her husband’s FTD to a car being driven off course. Helen’s peace and comfort to withstand this bumpy ride comes from the God of Love who guides them and has not forsaken…
My Husband’s Gift, by Kitty Roth
One woman’s account of the “special time” she shared with her husband who was diagnosed with FTD at the age of 55. The beautiful yet simple art they created together culminated in a portfolio of pictures to be shared with…
The Conflicting Emotions of a Husband and Caregiver, by Bruce Richardson
Bruce Richardson’s wife, Diana, was diagnosed with Pick’s Disease in 1999, when they had been married for 33 years. He cared for her at their home until her death last year. Here, Bruce generously shares his thoughts and feelings about…
A Mother’s Search for Meaning, by Jeanine Gierke
When Jeanine’s son Bryan died, he was just 31, with a young wife and infant daughter. He had been diagnosed with FTD two years before. Here, Jeanine writes of the unique heartache a mother feels watching her child succumb to…
Lewy Body Dementia: Different Disease, Similar Heartache, by Debbie Fields
Debbie’s mom, Louise Gallagher, was 70 years old, just newly retired when she was diagnosed with Lewy Bodies Dementia in 2003. She died March 14, 2008. Debbie writes of the progression of Lewy Body Dementia and the heartache and sorrow…
Daggers in My Heart, by Kayla Winters
Kayla’s grandfather was affected by FTD throughout her life. In this essay she describes travelling through the stages of his illness together with her family. At 16 she faces a choice about how to remember her once loving grandfather who…