Tori Tinsley - Mom's Story

Mom's Laugh Project

Preserving loss through art

Mom's Story

Our Story

For a while we knew something was different, but we couldn't put our fingers on it. At first the changes were barely noticeable; Mom just didn't seem to enjoy the activities that had once made her so happy. Horseback riding became a sometimes scary experience, working outdoors became a chore, and decorating no longer seemed important. Mom did not engage in family debates at the dinner table and started to look to us for the answers. These small things were just the beginning of a very long and difficult journey for Mom and our family.

In March of 2009, Mom was officially diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration, or FTD. This devastating disease has taken much of the vibrant and vivacious personality that defined a great deal of who she was and how she embraced life. FTD causes memories to slip from her day by day, and she is often frustrated that this disease has ravaged her brilliant mind. Games and jokes still bring out the old laugh so many of us cherish, but that spark that once lighted the room has faded. Our time is now split between savoring every moment and dreading what the future will bring next.

In preserving Mom's memories and experiences through art, we seek to raise awareness of this disease and its effects on both the individual and those who care for them. By contributing to the Mom's Laugh Project, you will be part of this effort and also assist researchers in providing hope to other families affected by FTD.

About Mom

Born in 1950, Mom grew up in Newnan, GA with two older sisters and a younger brother. She attended Emory University as an undergraduate and then again as a law student. She graduated law school with highest distinction and was elected Order of the Coif. After graduating, she opened a private practice with her then husband and also served as Assistant District Attorney for Douglas County. Later, she served as Assistant United States Attorney with the Department of Justice for five years. She joined the law department at Georgia Pacific and served as Chief Counsel for their Distribution Division. She then worked as Corporate Compliance Officer for Home Depot, and then as Assistant General Counsel for Mitsubishi Electric and Electronics USA. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Blue Linx Holdings Inc.

Somehow, Mom also found time in her busy schedule to serve the community. In her twenties, she co-founded the Humane Society of Douglas County. Most recently, she served on the board of Devereux Georgia, a residential treatment facility for youth needing guidance and support.

In her personal life, she was an avid horseback rider and enjoyed working outdoors. She was and still is devoted to her family and has always made it a point to put them first. She has raised two daughters who will always call her their best friend.