Berfin D

Raising Awareness for Frontotemporal Dementia” which affects her speech and swallowing. Every step counts.”

“Frontotemporal dementia is a less widely known form of dementia that affects the areas of the brain responsible for speech, behaviour, and everyday movement. Unlike other types of dementia, it often impacts communication and basic daily functions early on, gradually changing how a person speaks, eats, and expresses themselves. For many families, this diagnosis comes with confusion, heartbreak, and a deep sense of loss as they watch someone they love struggle with tasks that once came naturally. It’s a condition that affects not only the individual, but everyone around them.

“My grandma in Turkey has always been the heart of our family—full of laughter, stories, and love. But recently, we learned she has frontotemporal dementia, a condition that affects her speech and swallowing, making simple daily tasks like talking, eating, and expressing herself increasingly difficult. Watching her struggle has been heartbreaking, and I wanted to turn that love into action. So, I’m walking 50 miles—not just for her, but for everyone living with this condition. Every step I take is for her courage, for the memories we’ve shared, and for hope that even small actions can make a real difference in their daily lives.”