AFTD collaborated with the international coalition World FTD United to produce a Global Conversation on FTD, a four-hour long video of vital information and perspectives from around the world that premiered during World FTD Awareness Week 2021 (Sept. 26 – Oct. 3).

People and families affected, health professionals, and researchers submitted short videos and stories, capturing the lived experience of FTD, offering care and support strategies, and sharing reasons for hope.

Also during World FTD Awareness Week, AFTD partnered with New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey for a virtual information session on FTD. The session followed the recently adopted resolution, sponsored by Sen. Hinchey, designating Sept. 26 through Oct. 3 as FTD Awareness Week in New York.

“For the first time ever, the state of New York has recognized FTD Awareness Week through a resolution that we put forward because we believe that it’s incredibly important for more people to understand this disease,” Sen. Hinchey said.

AFTD continued to promote FTD awareness with ads placed in the New York Times. Throughout World FTD Awareness Week, the Times featured digital and print ads, created with input from AFTD volunteer Jody Zorn and designed to bring FTD awareness to millions. Print ads appeared in the Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 Sunday print editions, and visitors to the Times website via a mobile device saw a powerful set of digital ads on Sept. 29.

AFTD’s flagship grassroots fundraising and awareness campaign, Food for Thought, ran from Sept. 26 to Oct. 10. The campaign returned for its ninth year, raising critical funds in support of families affected by FTD.

Meanwhile, the #FTDhotshotchallenge, a community-driven grassroots campaign, made its return for the second year — this time in official partnership with Food for Thought. The challenge, created by AFTD volunteers in 2020, rallied AFTD supporters and FTD advocates to raise awareness and funds for AFTD’s research initiatives. Participants were encouraged to film themselves taking a shot of hot sauce, tag five friends to join, and donate to support AFTD’s mission.