Hi to those who see it. My name is Austin and I'm 19 years old. My father passed away at age 58, three months before I graduated high school. He was diagnosed at age 49 with FTD, while my older brother and I were 11 and 9, respectively. The FTD had set in very heavily by the time I was 12 (about an age I'd say the average individual becomes much more socially aware). So as I tried to grow up and fit in, I was taking care of my father with everyone unbeknownst to my family's situation. You know, I see a lot of people talk about FTD to their loved ones away from them, but I can't relate to this as I only knew my father during his illness. I would one day really love to have a physical conversation with someone who can relate to some of the stuff I've been through. And I am yet to get genetic testing, but I truly do fear the results. All I want later on in life is to be the father I wish I had and I hope God allows me to do so.
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We're in this together.
It's clear to me that despite the many people affected by FTD, there are very few resources available regarding this specific and rare form of dementia. I know this from experience and my own journey felt incredibly lonely.
I receive messages almost every day from people who, like me, just need to reach out to someone who understands. As my blog has grown, I'm finding it more and more difficult to reply and quite honestly, it breaks my heart. I wish I could reply to everyone but with only 24 hours in a day, it's too hard. This is why my online forum has been created, to build a community where all of you can collaborate and support each other.
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Reach out, ask for support, vent, share your stories and upload your pictures...
This is a community built just for you.
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