An Evolution of Love

Bob passed away on April 7, 2006, from Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) at the age of 50. He struggled mightily with this illness and we struggled with him, gaining an even greater respect for this fine man, as he slowly succumbed to a progressive and irreversible form of dementia. This book captures the memory and character of “Old Bob”—the Bob we knew before the onset of an illness that robbed him of his talents and capabilities. It also shows the ways in which we learned to cope with and appreciate the “New Bob”—the Bob we cared for and lived with through the course of the illness.

Robert J. Sykes, Jr (Bob) was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia in December 2003 at the age of 47. This rare form of Dementia is a brain disease that slowly erodes cognitive abilities and causes personality changes. He endured the disease for more than three years before succumbing on April 7, 2006. This book paints a picture of a unique individual, a generous and giving man, who selflessly devoted himself to family life. It is a story of loss, but it is also a story of love and devotion in the face of devastating illness. This story will provide support and inspiration to others who are coping with dementia and other irreversible illnesses. For each book sold, a donation will be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. Please visit our website!

Marie Sykes is a PC Analyst for an insurance company in Philadelphia, PA. She became passionate about Frontotemporal Dementia in 2003, when her husband, Bob, was diagnosed at the age of 47. Marie began working on An Evolution of Love a few months after Bob passed away in 2006.

Michelle Stafford is a Hospital Pharmacist in Langhorne, PA. Like Marie, she came to learn of Frontotemporal Dementia when her father, Bob, was diagnosed. Michelle personally handles the online presence of An Evolution of Love.