Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your prayers and words of hope and encouragement.
Russ has always been known to all as a fun loving and outgoing person. He is a wonderful friend, loving father, and supportive husband. He has made us all feel like the most important person in the room at one time or another. There has never been any shortage of laughter anytime Russ has been around. Unfortunately, over the last few years we have noticed a distinct decline in his conversation, laughter and even social awareness. As a family, we had all attributed it to many other possible things including, possible depression and Sleep Apnea. It is not until recently that we have finally received some answers after much speculation, confusion, and worry. After a recent trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Russ has been diagnosed with Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia or bvFTD. Behavioral variant FTD is a rare form of frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) characterized by, but not limited to, early and progressive changes in personality as well as loss of speech, and perceived indifference toward others, including loved ones. As many of of you have noticed, Russ has slowly been experiencing these symptoms for many years now. Unfortunately all of this has become more rapid over the past year, and will only continue to decline. It is a degenerative disease that acts in many ways like Alzheimers, it is complicated and unpredictable . I have included a link for those who would like to further research bvFTD (
https://www.theaftd.org/understandingftd/disorders/bv-ftd) . Our hearts are all heavy to know that Frontotemporal dementia can not be cured, and there is no effective way to slow its progression.
Our main goal as a family, Is to surround Russ with unconditional love and respect. We are focused on enjoying every moment that we have with him, and we encourage you all to do the same. He may not have the ability to express what he is feeling in the way he used to, but he is still the Russ that we have all come to love wholeheartedly. I know that He has touched so many lives, and I'm sure you will all be eager to help in any way that you can. The Wieseler family needs all the prayers, and positive, loving support that they can get in this trying time. While it may be too difficult for Russ to have a conversation, he would enjoy receiving texts and emails of support and encouragement.
~Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present
help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
~Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not
dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I
will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Please contact me personally via email if you have any specific questions. The family has authorized me to speak on their behalf.
daina.anderson@gmail.com
Thank you for all of your love and support,
Daina Anderson (Amy's Sister)
