Mark’s Story

Site created on May 7, 2020

In 2018, Mark was diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD,) and passed away in 2024. We have used this site to keep family and friends updated, and we appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement! If you haven't yet, check out the  "Introduction" post on the Journal page as a starting point for FTD and Mark's journey: https://bit.ly/3T8ngwv

To hear Keri tell our caregiving story: https://apple.co/49ECSi8
To hear Ben and Keri share how we arrived at diagnosis: https://apple.co/3jPtvE2

Frontotemporal degeneration (also called frontotemporal dementia or FTD) is a terminal, neurodegenerative brain disease that affects mainly the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain – the parts responsible for things like judgment, empathy, emotional control, inhibition, personality, and logic. Mark had the behavioral variant, and in addition to his FTD symptoms, he experienced significant memory loss, especially with short-term and mid-term memory, as you would expect in Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. There currently is no prevention, treatment, or cure for FTD.

Mark lived in memory care from 2019 until his passing. His daughter Keri became his legal guardian, and she and his son Caleb continued to be involved in his everyday care as much as possible.

This site will be the story of the family's care giving journey, written mainly by Keri. Check out the "Journal" page for more of our story.

For further info on FTD, please visit the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration on the AFTD website: http://www.theaftd.org/

Newest Update

Funeral Recording

Journal entry by Keri Allen —

A dear friend offered to record Dad's funeral service for us to be able to share with those who wanted to attend but were not able to. We've decided to share it here with all of you who have so kindly followed along with Dad's story and our caregiving journey...

A deep and heartfelt thank you to so many of you who came that day to support our family and to everyone who has helped us grieve and honor what we loved about Dad.

-

Titus 3:4-7

Romans 8:38-39

Read More of the journal titled "Funeral Recording"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Mark Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Mark's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for Mark

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Load more comments
Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top