Make A Difference for Valerie, FTD fighter

Hi, I'm Mark Wiberg and I'm fundraising for my sister Valerie (pictured with her granddaughter). In 2018, her family noticed speech and personality changes. In December 2020, Valerie was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (primary progressive aphasia). FTD is a degeneration of the brain which affects communication and memory, among other vital functions. While similar incurable diseases, like Alzheimer's, affects an older population, FTD can affect younger people.

Valerie is 53 years old. Her condition is such that she has recently been placed in a memory care facility in San Luis Obispo, which offers her a secure environment and 24/7 care. Before that, Visiting Angels provided much-needed help. Her family served as caregivers for the past two years, but the need for institutional help was apparent as Valerie's condition worsened. Valerie's disease and related medication include memory loss, communication (speech/hearing/understanding), and hallucinations. Her high energy level made it nearly impossible to keep her in a typical residential home. Valerie rarely sits, preferring to pace or walk. Always on the go! The memory care facility provides much more room to do just that. Valerie's family visits her at least twice a week, and we see that she is calmer and able to express her caring nature toward the other older residents.

WHAT WE NEED:

The money raised in this campaign will go directly to her rent at the memory care facility, and any medical bills not covered by Medi-Cal. Memory care facilities do not accept Medi-Cal for rent. It is private pay, and it is expensive. $6,500/mo. We are about two months away from disability payments to begin, but even that won't cover half of what is needed. Valerie's family (Casey, me, Lori, Brittany, and Amanda) has contributed to cover each month's rent. We anticipate Valerie will be at this type of facility for 1 to 2 years. We are grateful for whatever is contributed towards Valerie's care. To say it's been a rough year would be an understatement. As a conservator for Valerie, I can state that all contributions will go directly to her account, which the courts monitor. More about Val and FTD can be found at toughgalval.com.

MORE ABOUT VALERIE:

Before moving into the memory care facility, Valerie recently lived in Paso Robles with me (Mark) and her sister, Lori. As siblings and caregivers, they saw first-hand the devastating effects this incurable disease has on the person (loss of communication, memory, and overall personality). But it also allowed for hours and hours of remembrances shared by the three of us because photo albums became "the thing" to do for Valerie. Especially those of her grandkids. She loves photos and loves listening to music, sometimes dancing to disco or 80s music.

Each of her family members wishes only that her well-being and safety be guaranteed as long as possible. Whatever you can contribute will be deeply appreciated.

Finally, I've written a few posts about FTD/memory care journey at toughgalval.com. Even if you cannot contribute, I encourage everyone to become familiar with local Alzheimer's and FTD-related services.