November’s volunteer of the month is Al Papesh. In the Fall of 2015, Al attended an AFTD Meet & Greet in Des Moines, Iowa. Prior to that meeting, Al thought he was the only FTD caregiver in his city. Upon meeting several other FTD care partners that day, Al recalls “we all agreed a local support group was needed, as there was only one other such group in the state of Iowa.”

A few months later, in February 2016, Al reached back out to everyone that had attended the Meet & Greet and arranged a reunion at a local coffee shop. The meeting went well, and at the conclusion everyone agreed to continue the meetings on a monthly basis.

After his wife passed away in April 2017, Al continued as a facilitator for the group. “The need for the group hadn’t gone away, and I felt like it was a way to honor Judy.” Al continues, “Facilitating a support group is very rewarding, as I know firsthand the benefits gained from being able to talk and connect with others who are traveling the same road. The current participants are so grateful that the group exists.”

Prior to the pandemic, Al also raised critical FTD awareness and shared AFTD resources through table settings at professional health fairs in his community.

AFTD is immensely grateful to Al for his years of dedication and service, and the vital support he provides to those in his local community who’ve been affected by FTD.

If you’re interested in becoming a part of our national volunteer network, please visit our website to learn more, and fill out our volunteer form to get connected with a Volunteer Coordinator.