My name is Tracy Mobley and I was originally diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's disease in 2002 at only 38 years old. Never in a million years would I have imagined that 6 years later I would be directing a respite camp for young teens that have a parent/grandparent with dementia. Since my diagnosis in 2002, I have been rediagnosed with FTD, it really doesn't matter as the prognosis is the same.

Since my diagnosis my family and I have been very active Advocates for Alzheimer's disease and in my travels I have met many, many families just as ours. A disease that robs a young family of their hopes and dreams and leaves many homeless. A disease that takes a persons complete being from them in the end. During this time our kids are left to tread these tides alone with little if any guidance because we are learning as we go and during this time they are losing their parent as well as trying to figure out who they are as they are struggling through their own issues of growing up and independence. Because of the struggles I have seen our own son go through, as well as others along our journey, this year Camp Building Bridges is being introduced to families that are dealing with Early Onset Dementia. It is a respite camp for young teens that have a parent/grandparent with dementia. This is a 6 day camp that will allow these kids a relief from the dementia world to let them re-discover themselves and make new friends. If there are any families that are interested in Camp Building Bridges please visit www.freewebs.com/younghope2007/ It is possible for each child to attend Camp Building Bridges through a grant that was established for this purpose. If you have any questions feel free to visit the camp website and contact Tracy Mobley with further questions.