One of the emails I got about my OP last Friday

[Omaha Steve]

Edit to add link to Friday's post: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026641619

Because this DUer didn't know anything about FTD (most people don't know anything about it) they read up on it.

To spread awareness the couple bought 2 FTD shirts. They just asked I not mention their names.

I am honored and humbled. This was a good kind of cry.

OS

http://www.theaftd.org/get-involved/aftd-t-shirts

[rocktivity]

1. I run a blog about health, medicine, fitness and nutrition in New Jersey

http://yourHHRSnews.com

I see that AFTD has a local chapter and some YouTube videos that I can place on the home page for a week in the very near future...

rocktivity

[Omaha Steve]

11. Thank you

I appreciate it.

OS

[chillfactor]

2. I did not know what FTD was either...

so I also had to do research.....my research made me cry.....I do not know if I could be as brave as you are....

[Terra Alta]

3. I had never heard of it before reading your OP

I read up on it, and I want you to know you are in my thoughts. You are a strong person and I hope you keep fighting this as long as you can. You are a great DUer, and I want you around as long as you are able.

[Duppers]

4. I 2nd that!

OS is a great teacher...about many things.

[No Vested Interest]

5. Once again - Thank you, Steve. nt

[KittyWampus]

6. I had to read up on it. My brother has what my mom had- ataxia.

It isn't easy.

[madfloridian]

7. You have taught us a lot.

[asjr]

8. I do not come to DU much any more and did not

see your OP. There are no words for this. I felt my blood stop flowing as I read this. Please know I will keep you in my prayers. I will pray to any deity I can conjure up.

[BrotherIvan]

9. You're educating and bringing out the best in people

Please don't ever think you don't have a place here. Ever.

[passiveporcupine]

10. I'm glad to see you still posting Steve

A year ago I lost a cousin to ALS, which I know you may also have, and it was a tragic thing for his wife to deal with his last year. I don't know which is worse...to be trapped in a dying body with a healthy mind, or to be living with a mind that deprives you and your family of your real self.

I wish they could come up with some miracle cures...I wish people didn't have to come down with these awful diseases. But I am glad to see that with Marta's help, you will still be engaged as long as possible with a group that has always appreciated your presence and your contribution.

Be well...as well as possible. Take life gently. Love yourself.

[Omaha Steve]

13. .

[emsimon33]

12. My heart goes out to you and your family

I have always enjoyed your postings and have learned so much from you. I can not begin to imagine how stressful this must be for you and your family.

I shall keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[marym625]

14. education about this horrible disease will do wonders for people

You know I had never heard of FTD before. But all the reading I am doing on it, I am convinced my father had it. It explains so much

My dad had Parkinson's disease. He had so many things wrong with him that he wasn't diagnosed until he was already in the 4th stage. In one way that was good. The medicines that usually do no good at that point, were very helpful for a while. But knowing what was wrong earlier would have made many things easier.

He didn't have the best doctors in the world. Some were downright dismissive. Only one ever even tried to explain his behavior.

Knowing that there was a reason for the changes that my dad went through would have been a godsend. But knowing now still helps like you wouldn't believe.

As horrible as it has to be to know what your future holds, I'm sure that knowing what your present is about must help. At least help with your family and their understanding.

Thank you for sharing such an intimate detail about your life