What is a Party with a Purpose? How did it start?

This event started in Shannon and Geoff Fuller’s garage in Raleigh NC in 2017 as a small house party and it evolved into an annual fundraiser benefiting Military Missions in Action (MMIA), A non-profit dedicated to assisting veterans with disabilities, members of the armed forces, and their families. In 2019 they raised over $7500!

Why AFTD?

In 2022, my sons lost their father and I lost my husband Michael Lange to a Frontotemporal Disorder called Corticobasal Degeneration resulting in young-onset dementia. Michael always enjoyed attending the Fuller’s St Paddy’s Day Party and seeing his friends from the Springdale community. This year the Fuller’s and I have decided to co-host this fundraising event with a goal to raise $10,000 for The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). I chose to support AFTD to spread Help and Hope.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The process is fast, easy and secure. With your help, we can make a difference for families and those who suffer from Frontotemporal Disorders. Thank you in advance for your support and please share our page with your contacts via email, social media and/or text message.

Live in Raleigh? Want to attend the Event on March 18, 2023? 

Visit the Event page to learn more.

About FTD:

Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is the most common form of dementia for people under the age of 60. It strikes in the prime of life, gradually eroding an individual’s personality: their ability to speak, make sound decisions, control their movements, behave within social norms and relate to those they love. FTD devastates familial relationships, finances and even the health of family caregivers themselves. Currently there are no approved treatments, and most providers lack knowledge of appropriate care. Average life expectancy is 7-13 years after the start of symptoms.

About Corticobasal Degeneration

Corticobasal degeneration is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by nerve cell loss and atrophy of multiple areas of the brain including the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia. The gradual loss of brain tissue and symptoms typically begin between ages 45 and 70. Initial symptoms include stiffness; shaky, slow or clumsy movements; and difficulty with speech and comprehension.

Other symptoms include:

• Balance Difficulty walking and balancing
• Memory Short-term memory problems, such as repeating questions or misplacing objects
• Muscle Control Difficulty controlling muscles of the face and mouth
• Speech Progressive difficulty speaking and difficulty comprehending language

Symptoms related to muscle control usually begin on one side of the body and spread gradually to the other.

There may be difficulties in completing specific tasks, such as opening a door or brushing one's teeth or using tools such as a can opener. When a leg is affected, a patient may have problems with complex movements such as dancing. As the disease progresses, a patient may begin to trip and fall. A patient also may experience uncontrollable movement of an arm or leg.