Help Grace raise money

I am excited to be running the Falmouth Road Race for the Alzheimer's Association in honor of my Dad, Michael Levin, who lives with early onset dementia. Two years ago, at the age of 56, he was diagnosed with the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), which is a devastating form of dementia that primarily affects behavior, personality, and decision-making. 

Frontotemporal dementia is the most common form of dementia for people under the age of 60, yet it is often misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed. Symptoms can begin as early as someone's 30s or 40s and because it is less recognized than Alzheimer's disease, diagnosis can take years. 

FTD has stripped away so much of who my dad was, including his independence and ability to do the activities he loves most, such as a weekend bike ride. Those who are familiar with Mike know that he was always on the move. When his own mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, he began to do an annual 100 mile bike ride to raise money for a foundation supporting it's research. My dad has always encouraged us to be active and was the first person to get me into running (even though I had to stop many, many times!) and always was one of my biggest supporters. I believe he found solace in movement, which is something I most definitely have picked up from him.

Watching this disease progress has been incredibly hard and devastating for those around him. This disease has no cure and incredibly limited treatment options, and research into FTD is significantly underfunded compared to other neurodegenerative diseases. 

I am running this race to raise awareness for this cruel disease, to honor my dad as well as support Alzheimer's Association's mission to fund research, advocacy, and support services for families like my own.

Every donation makes a difference. Thank you!