In May of 2012 my brother Arpy and I will run our first marathon and our brother Matt will run his first half marathon in honor of our father, Arpiar Saunders. We're running to raise money for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), a cause that hits close to home for us. 

Our father was diagnosed with frontotemporal lobe dementia in 2009. This disease manifests as a group of related conditions resulting from the progressive degeneration of the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain. These brain areas play a significant role in decision-making, emotion and language. Our father’s dementia has particularly affected his ability to communicate with those around him.  

It's been a tough few years, but our dad has stayed strong and is continuing to fight this disease every day. One of the things that has always kept him going is running. He's been passionate about running ever since my brother and I were little kids. He's ran countless numbers of 5k's as well as the New York City Marathon in 1994.

So what better way to show our love & support than run a marathon just for him? 

AFTD is doing incredible work to fund research into finding the cause and hopefully a cure for FTD. They also help provide resources & support to those currently diagnosed with this disease as well as promoting public awareness of FTD and the needs of those suffering from it. We're thankful for all of their hard work and are thrilled to be raising money for this cause. 

The 2012 Cox Sports Marathon is on May 6 in Providence RI so we would love your support & contributions up until then!