“We are not a product of what has happened to us. We have the power of choice.”
― Stephen Covey, Author 

“When your biggest fear is FTD, it makes you quite fearless to everything else.”
― Spencer Cline, AFTD Ambassador 

A packed Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City took in a firsthand account of the experience of genetic FTD on April 3, as AFTD Ambassador Spencer Cline delivered the keynote address at the ninth annual AFTD Hope Rising Benefit.  

Cline shared details of his family’s journey through his father’s illness, and his own journey across the country by bicycle in tribute. His resilience and generosity of spirit brought many to tears.   

Cline, whose father Lawrence died in 2012, spoke from the heart about his extended family’s experience with the disorder—his three uncles also had genetically linked ALS/FTD—as well as the specter of his own prospects for a diagnosis and the impact that would have on his own family.  

The bike ride was conceived as a way for Cline to honor his late father, raise money for the FTD community, and build awareness. He raised over $50,000 on his ride, along with untold amounts of FTD awareness.  

Cline drew parallels between his ride and the journey that is an FTD diagnosis. His transcontinental setbacks included many flat tires, a broken wrist in one spill and, just 300 miles shy of his goal, another accident that ended his trip. His network of supporters stepped up and finished the ride for him, allowing him to claim a broader victory.

“Having a loved one with FTD is impossible to get through alone; it takes a community of support rallying around you lifting you up when you can’t keep going,” he observed. 

Watch the keynote address here.