I know some of us have a diagnosis or probable diagnosis of FTD. I wanted to share the following information with you about a CNN piece. This is especially exciting because we don't see much about FTD. The following was sent to our Support Group facilitator and specialist's social worker.
"On Monday, December 14 CNN will broadcast a piece they have produced on FTD. Several versions will air first during “American Morning” between 7 – 9 am EST, then be the featured in the day shows on CNN, and as the “Health Minute” throughout the day on CNN affiliate stations. The full piece – which runs nearly four minutes – will be consistently available through the web at CNN.com and through a link on our home page www.ftd-picks.org.
The piece features the family of Kenny S***** who was diagnosed with FTD at the age of 49, neurologist Dr. Murray Grossman, and AFTD Executive Director Susan Dickinson . We are especially grateful to Cheryl S***** and her children, Alexandra and Graham, who have shared their personal story in this very public way. AFTD is working with additional families across the US and Canada to capitalize on the CNN story with local media coverage. The generosity of those affected by FTD to participate in awareness and research efforts holds the key to a brighter future where these disorders are concerned.
Please share word of this national media attention widely with your group members, colleagues and all others who are interested in the frontotemporal dementias. Together we will change the future."
Sharon S. Denny, MA
Program Director
The Association for Frontotemporal Dementias
sdenny@ftd-picks.org
267-514-7221
866-507-7222 (toll free)
www.ftd-picks.org
Raise money for AFTD by searching the Internet or shopping online with GoodSearch- Powered by Yahoo!
Just saw a commercial on AMC by Salvation Army where there is a man diagnosed with FTD and evidently they have a place, sounds like maybe day care type, where he went to. His wife says something about knowing he is in a safe place. It was shown during 'White Christmas'.
Please check the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com - and look for the Monday Blog - it's not really a blog, just a notice about the FTD article and video. I have put up a direct link to it. I read the article and viewed the video. I thought they were both very good.
With regard to the CNN video/article--What originally prompted this CNN special was a question asked to Dr. Gupta on CNN.com. Someone wrote in asking for information about FTD and Dr. Gupta responded with incorrect information and referred back to Alzheimer’s. It was obvious at the time that Dr. Gupta was not familiar with the disease FTD. Many FTD supporters worldwide wrote to CNN and they contacted the AFTD about doing a special.
I personally know that many families of loved ones with FTD wrote to CNN and also volunteered to be interviewed for the special piece. It seems that they chose a family who's loved one is in the age group of most FTD sufferers, but there are other younger people who do have this disease and usually the younger you are the faster it progresses. It would have been nice if they had included some of those with younger sufferers. Just like they should be putting more information out there about younger people getting an EOAD diagnosis also.