A special person, a remarkable story

I first met Katie Brandt in 2010 and instantly knew she was a special person, by the way she took care of and advocated for her husband. But I am struck by those qualities in many of our patient's families. What I didn't know is that she would somehow transform the tragedy of her family's experience with her husband's illness into a uniquely powerful force of good. She grew to lead the regional support group and work with the Association for FTD in advocacy efforts. We began working in partnership in 2013 to tell their story in public and professional conferences and other settings to educate and advocate. In 2014 she began working as a consultant for our FTD Unit. Among other activities, she told her story and featured the MGH FTD Unit at 2015 Rare Disease Day in the State House. Finally, in the summer of 2015, in part as a result of philanthropic donations from families with whom we have worked, I was able to hire Katie as the FTD Unit's first Community Resource Specialist. She has already helped us develop a variety of new programs and services and has continued to touch many patients' and families' lives with her compassion, ideas, and energy. Because of her expertise, experience, and tireless advocacy, in 2017 Katie was selected to be a member of the elite National Alzheimer's Project Act Advisory Council. In recognition of these amazing efforts and with the growth of our programs and services, Katie was promoted to Director of Caregiver Support Services and Public Relations in 2018. Thank you Katie!