Chasing Dignity was created to share our story about living with FTD aka Frontotemporal Dementia, or as some like to call it Frontotemporal Degeneration. I will be writing this blog in 1st person, as the viewpoint is mine. I am Brenda’s daughter-in-law and I believe Brenda is suffering from FTD.
My name is Cindy Wackerly and I have three children ages 17, 10, and 10 (b/g twins). My husband, Brandon, is active duty military and we live in North Carolina near the Outer Banks. Brandon and I have been married for 13 years this March and have battled with our dysfunctional families which we consider “normal” although I don’t believe there is such a thing as “normal”.
My Family, September 2014
In August 2011 our lives were turned upside down when we rescued Brenda from a homeless shelter in Oklahoma. I have decided to try something different by blogging about living with FTD and our personal experience. I hope this blog can express the raw emotions we are feeling and that readers can understand the reality of what we are living through. I hope this blog will shed light on FTD and help “the powers that be” recognize this is a very real disease and make more informed, compassionate decisions for those who are suffering.
For more information about FTD/Frontotemporal Dementia, please visit the AFTD (The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration) website at: http://www.theaftd.org/
Chasing Dignity 
What a beautiful family! My husband was also diagnosis in July 2011 at age 53. We live in Greensboro, NC. This is a devasting disease and the past 3 years has been quite a life altering experience. I would like. To keep in touch, message me if u like. Prayer with. You and your family!
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My mother was diagnosed 4 years ago at the age of 62 after showing symptoms for a few years. She has gone through phases of OCD, hoarding, exhibitionism, stealing, etc. She also has PPA and is now completely mute. It’s an ugly disease that not many people understand and it’s really heartbreaking. I applaud you for sharing your experiences. I too started a blog a few years ago (during the stealing phase) with the intent of simply sharing our journey.
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I am so glad more people are speaking out about this. When my mom was diagnosed in 2012, I couldn’t find a lot of support out there, so I started blogging. I enjoy connecting with others going through this same thing…it helps to know you aren’t alone! Keep blogging.
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Thank you. My brother Scott(41 yrs old) was diagnosed in early part of 2014 with Picks/FTD. He was stationed in Ft Knox on the Army base. At that time he was considered to have had Picks for roughly 6 years. It was a battle to get someone to hear and listen to him and us. Happy to finally have answers however devastated with this ugly disease as a diagnoses. It is hard to explain what is going on so it is nice to see and read others stories with what they have been thru. Once again thank you… god speed
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