Our Charity Miles Athlete of the Month for March is Lynne Lewis from Pennsylvania. Lynne uses the Charity Miles app in memory of her husband, Glenn. He was an avid runner throughout his life, so Lynne views her use of the Charity Miles app as a “fitting tribute to him.”

Lynne picked up on change with Glenn quickly, but it took some time before she had an accurate diagnosis. “He was always a good husband and father, but about three of four years before I had the neurology consult, I noticed some changes with him.” Based on his changes, she initially thought it was Alzheimer’s, but received more clarity after meeting with a neurologist. “When we went to the neurologist at the University of Pittsburgh, he told me it was FTD.”

Given her experience with FTD, Lynne said she would like to see advancements in the opportunities and care facilities available for those diagnosed with FTD. She spoke about her struggles finding an appropriate facility that would accept Glenn and support him properly. “It was difficult to find a facility for him because he was young and active and wanted to get out,” she said. “I wish there was better support for families to find ways to care for their loved ones.”

There can be some uncertainty or concern after an FTD diagnosis. Being able to care for yourself as well as your loved one can be difficult, but Lynne provided some advice based on her care and support for Glenn.

“Find something special to them and make that a part of your routine [with them]” she continues, “We had a routine. I took him out for pancakes on Sunday morning.” Some advice she gave for current caregivers is, “Don’t be afraid to tell people what’s going on.”

We want to thank Lynne and all of our athletes who use the Charity Miles app! If you are active and want to turn your workouts into funds and awareness for AFTD, simply download the Charity Miles app and create your own pledge page! If you or someone you know is using the Charity Miles app and think they’d like to be highlighted, please email fundraising@theaftd.org and use “Athlete of the Month” for the subject line.