Kathy exercises in honor of her husband Terry, who was diagnosed with FTD in 2018. She firmly believes that #EveryMileMatters. After learning about AFTD from a local neurologist, Kathy visited the website in search of resources and community. She has found help for her journey as a caregiver through many different support resources that AFTD provides and promotes, including the FTD Support Forum. During the pandemic, she learned about Charity Miles and began participating in challenges as a way to further engage with AFTD’s mission.

“Physical activity has always been an outlet for me. I like to call my time exercising ‘Respite Care for Kathy’ – it’s been a lifesaver,” she said. “Being involved with an organization like AFTD helps you build connections and provides you with motivation.”

Through sharing her workouts on social media, Kathy gets the opportunity to talk with others about FTD and increase awareness among a wider audience. “I want more people to know about this disease. I want to help drive research and provide more resources to better assist caregivers. I will do whatever I can to help, so that in the future no one will have to face FTD.”

You can join Kathy and the AFTD-Team in support of our mission and the people we serve by downloading the Charity Miles app to track your activity as you walk, run, bike, hike – or all of the above! You can also turn your daily workout into a fundraiser for AFTD by creating your own pledge page. Simply set a mileage and fundraising goal, ask your family and friends to support you, and track your mileage through the app. Every step helps to raise FTD awareness and funds to advance AFTD’s mission.

For more information about FTD resources and online support options, including AFTD’s closed Facebook groups and the FTD Support Forum, we encourage you to visit our support page. Once there, scroll below the map and look for the “Are there other options for support?” header. Click the + sign to expand the support menu and explore the many resources we’ve compiled there.

AFTD thanks Kathy, and all our AFTD-Team members and volunteers, for all of the ways in which you help advance our mission of hope!