Author Archives: katiedianebrandt

“They’re shouting for you,” she said with a smile. “But I could never have done it,” he objected, “without everyone else’s help.” “That may be true,” said Reason gravely, “but you had the courage to try; and what you can do is often simply a matter of what you will do.” “That’s why,” said Azaz,Continue reading “Impossible”

One month after our amazing, incredible, heart burstingly beautiful inaugural gala to benefit The Frontotemporal Disorders Unit at the Boston Harbor Hotel, and only days before Thanksgiving, I am thinking a lot about gratitude.  Gratitude for every pledge of support, every word of encouragement and every congratulatory hug.  Standing at the podium with Dr. Dickerson,Continue reading “Thankful”

On February 22nd, our family’s journey with the rare disease Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) was featured in The Boston Globe, written beautifully by reporter Bella English.  The timing of this article was serendipitous as we are on the precipice of International Rare Disease Day on February 28th.  Even more extraordinary was the act of kindness thatContinue reading “Something Rare”

On November 13th I had the privilege of speaking at From Care to Cure, an FTD Education Event for caregivers presented by the Frontotemporal Disorders (FTD) Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. I was also one of the conference organizers. The day encompassed scientific presentations, workshops to manage the practical aspects of caring for a loved oneContinue reading “Power Play”

Yesterday, I went to the post office to mail two donations.  The result of generosity from my community and the fruits of back to back fundraisers.  The first was a wild night at Chili Head BBQ in West Bridgewater.  Outrageous entrees, decadent beer and inspired music met the crowd ready for a fun night out.Continue reading “Thank You”

A big thank you to Genevieve Wanucha for blogging about my campaign and being a big support through my FTD journey. Dr. Brad Dickerson connected us years ago when we were both caring for our loved ones with FTD. Today we work together – she as the Staff Science Writer and me as a ConsultantContinue reading “Going for it! …because love is out there.”

My first date with my husband Mike had the potential to rate pretty high on the romance scale for two college freshmen. It was a cool night in September when he walked over to my dorm to pick me up. The lobby was busy with girls coming back from the dining hall, classes or the gym,Continue reading “Date Night”

For as long as I can remember, I was interested in my parents’ love story.  I wanted to know how they met, who liked who first, when my mother knew my father was “the one.” I always felt like that was the real beginning to our family’s story and I enjoyed listening to Mom retellContinue reading “1- 4 – 3”

Part of my experience becoming a caregiver was adjusting to constant change.  Learning how to adapt to new roles and environments.  Prior to Mike’s diagnosis, my only experience with nursing homes was visiting my Grandpa and my Memere on weekends.  By the time they were admitted to their skilled nursing facilities, they had been widowedContinue reading “My Secret Plan”