KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) announced a major fundraising success, thanks to a $25,000 challenge match from the Milburn Foundation. The “Empowered Together to #EndFTD” campaign surpassed expectations, raising $75,000 to improve the lives of those affected by frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and advance research efforts.
“We are deeply grateful to the Milburn Foundation for their support of AFTD’s mission and this campaign,” said AFTD CEO Susan Dickinson. “These funds will directly support families and individuals facing a diagnosis, and will help educate healthcare professionals and policymakers so that we can develop earlier and more accurate diagnosis and better care services.”
FTD is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes the gradual breakdown of nerve cells in the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. The disease leads to severe changes in personality, behavior, language, and motor skills. Individuals typically receive a diagnosis between ages 40 and 65, but the condition can affect both younger and older people. Misdiagnosis is common, often confused with psychiatric conditions or other neurodegenerative diseases, resulting in an average delay of nearly four years for an accurate diagnosis.
The Milburn Foundation’s CEO Bryon Davis emphasized the shared mission to hasten a future without FTD. “Families facing FTD, much like families facing breast cancer, urgently need access to viable treatments and a cure. Our gift to AFTD embodies our commitment to true partnership and collaboration in the field of disease research.”
The campaign featured personal stories from the FTD community across various platforms. One notable participant, Channing Clifford, shared her experiences through her popular TikTok channel. “Any time I have knowledge of what to do next, it’s because of AFTD. It’s empowering to know that this organization not only offers support for the tough parts of this diagnosis but also communicates with people affected,” she said.
AFTD continues to support those affected by FTD, advocating for better diagnosis, care services, and vital research to find a cure. As awareness and understanding of FTD grow, initiatives like this campaign are crucial in making meaningful progress.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.