When Scott Oxarart lost his father Steve to FTD in August 2023, he transformed his grief into a powerful mission to help other families navigate the challenges he faced. Oxarart recently appeared on Washoe Life, a podcast produced in Washoe Valley, Nev., to speak about the deep fulfillment he finds in creating the support network he wished his family had during their journey.

The family first noticed changes in Steve around 2020, when he began making impulsive decisions, like buying a car without his characteristic months of research. Over time his family and friends noticed paranoia, delusions, and loss of impulse control.

Cognitive tests revealed the stark reality—when asked to name animals, Steve could only manage “dog, cat, and horse.” When drawing a clock, he numbered it from 1 to 24 instead of 12.

After his father’s passing, Oxarart could have retreated into grief. Instead, he found his calling in FTD advocacy. “I knew I had to do something,” he recalled.

Oxarart’s journey from AFTD volunteer to Ambassador started small—a library meet-and-greet that drew just two people. But his persistence paid off. A subsequent event brought 18 attendees, and Oxarart watched with satisfaction as families began connecting with each other. Two families who met through his events now organize their own walks and support each other independently—a testament to the broad impact of his work.

Oxarart’s approach is both practical and compassionate. He listens to people’s stories and shares his own, cherishing those connections. He directs people to both AFTD’s website and the AFTD HelpLine, while also making himself personally available to anyone who needs support.

Oxarart remembers his father’s joyful presence at Cinco de Mayo celebrations and at University of Nevada tailgates, where Steve always ensured everyone felt welcome and cared for. Today, Oxarart carries forward that same spirit of service, transforming his personal loss into a beacon of hope for other FTD families.