Molly Quinn is fundraising
Support AFTD Research in Memory of Ed McAndrew
Hi, my name is Molly Quinn. I am 24 years old and originally from Washington, DC. Twenty years ago, my grandfather, also known as Pop-Pop or Ed McAndrew, passed away from FTD.
FTD "represents a group of brain disorders caused by degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain" (theaftd.org). In 1996, my grandfather was diagnosed with FTD at the age of 53. This was at least three years after the onset of symptoms. At first, FTD presents itself as random changes in one's behavior or personality. It could seem as if the person is going through a mid-life crisis and acting out. In reality, their frontal and/or temporal lobes are slowly degenerating. It is likely that many people before my grandfather were misdiagnosed with other diseases or afflictions.
I was able to spend the most time with my Pop-Pop in comparison to my siblings. Although I was young, I remember his contagious smile. When I knew him, he could only communicate with a thumbs up or thumbs down due to the degeneration of his brain and other health issues, specifically a heart attack that occurred post-diagnosis. I look back on these few memories fondly. Luckily, I continue to learn more about him every year through stories my mom and grandma (Mom-Mom) tell me. I know Pop-Pop, and I would have gotten along great in adult life. He was taken too young, but his purpose is much higher than what he did in his short time on earth. Without his case and others like it, families would be left with no answers about what their family member or friend is going through. I know he is watching over all of us, beaming with pride and protecting us from above.
We are choosing to raise money for AFTD. The mission of AFTD, or The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, is "to improve the quality of life of people affected by FTD and drive research to a cure" (theaftd.org). My mom, Colleen McAndrew Quinn, and her mother, Kathy Harron McAndrew, have been avid members of this organization since Pop-Pop's death. Recently, AFTD has gained media attention due to Bruce Willis's diagnosis. The Willises' choosing to tell their story will be extremely impactful for future research and fundraising for FTD. See their letter here: https://www.theaftd.org/mnlstatement23/
In honor of Pop-Pop, my sisters, parents, and I are running the Holy Half marathon at Notre Dame. My younger sister Claire started her freshman year at Notre Dame in August 2024. As a proud Irish Catholic from Philly, my grandfather would be ecstatic knowing my sister is a student there. He was an Irish fan from youth and listened to ND football games on the radio every Saturday. Pop-Pop was a great athlete who went to St. Joseph's University to play baseball and went on to coach many baseball and basketball teams in the Philly and Northern Virginia areas. My mom recalls him running avidly when she was growing up, so we thought this would be a great way to raise money and honor his legacy. Any amount helps! By donating to organizations like AFTD, we will get closer to finding a cure for many different neurodegenerative disorders.
If you ever see a hawk flying overhead or find a penny on the ground, know that my Pop-Pop is looking out for you from above.
- M
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