Our family fight against Frontotemporal Dementia

Hello.  My name is Megan McGrew.  My sisters, Madison and Hallie and my brother Carter, are raising funds to help our dad, William “Bill” McGrew, and our entire family.  Bill is 58 years old and until recently was the Athletic Trainer for the Charleroi School District in Southwest PA.  He was the financial provider for our family and the strength of our family.  And then in late 2021 we started noticing some changes with our dad.  He wasn’t as talkative.  He wasn’t engaging in activities at our church as he had always done.  Then in February of 2022, after a lot of tests, our dad was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).  Based on the symptoms, it appears that our father has the Primary Progressive Aphasia form of FTD.  We are not sure of the cause, and he is considered to be young for this disease, but It has already progressed to the point that he can no longer work and he can no longer drive.  

There isn’t much that medically can be done for FTD.  Through therapy and medication, they can try to slow down the progression.  Our Dad has always worked hard.  He has always been active in our church and would always be asked to say the blessings at our family get togethers.  However, this disease is quickly taking that away from him. This disease attacks the ability to recall things. And it affects his ability to speak and understand language. It is very hard to watch someone you love and have known your entire life slowly disappear right in front of you.  

This disease will be hard on my dad and all of us but most of all, on our mother.  Our mother’s role is now changing to that of the bread winner, caregiver, and strength for the family.  This disease will make things difficult emotionally, physically, and financially for our entire family.  In addition to the medical bills for medication and therapy, there will be additional expenses incurred to modify our home to make it safe for my dad. And now with significantly less income, it will become very difficult to meet the necessary monthly bills required for living.

Therefore, the funds raised through this GoFundMe account will go to assist in covering the medical bills, the costs of modifying our home, and to help supplement the loss of income to cover the monthly costs of living. My family thanks you for considering our request for help.  God Bless!