In Loving Memory of Debra (Debbie) McLoud-Delaney
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rare, degenerative neurological illness that affects about one in a million people each year. It progresses with terrifying speed, often taking lives within months of diagnosis. Because it’s so rare and poorly understood, many cases are misdiagnosed — and research remains severely underfunded.
The suffering it causes — not only for the patient but also for the family — is profound. And yet, public awareness is almost nonexistent. That’s why we’re sharing her story — Debbie’s story — with you.
Her Journey
Debbie began experiencing symptoms in the early spring of 2024. She was losing weight without explanation and showing signs of mild memory loss. We started visiting doctors, who ran routine blood work and encouraged her to regain weight. A neurologist we saw in June noted her weight loss and cognitive changes and ordered more tests, unsure of what could be causing them.
It wasn’t until July 4, 2024, that we knew something was seriously wrong. Her balance was off, her short-term memory was deteriorating, and she began struggling to “find her words,” as she’d say. Her family doctor took action and pushed for an MRI and a spinal tap. He explained there could be many possible causes — but none of us were prepared for what was coming.
Our lives were forever changed on August 10, 2024, when we received a letter from the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center: Debbie had tested positive for prion disease — something we had never even heard of until her doctor had briefly and delicately mentioned it as a rare possibility.
We began researching everything we could, which is when we found the CJD Foundation. They became our lifeline — providing vital information, support, and guidance for what to expect and how to care for her in the months to come.
The Cruel Progression
Debbie experienced nearly every symptom of this horrific disease. It began with loss of balance, difficulty walking, and cognitive fog. Not long after, she developed terrifying hallucinations and intense paranoia — seeing and hearing things that weren’t there, believing strangers were in her home, and even forgetting where she lived. She would often say she wanted to “go home,” even while in her own house.
By Christmas, Debbie was barely speaking and needed help with nearly every basic task. By the New Year, she could no longer walk or stand and required a wheelchair. By late January, she was bedridden, nonverbal, and completely dependent on round-the-clock care from her husband, Tim, and close family and friends.
In her final months, though mostly unresponsive, there were still moments — fleeting, precious — where we believed she recognized us. Those tiny signs kept us going.
On May 18th, she took her last bite of food. Over the next three days, she entered a painful final transition. On May 21st, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Debbie’s suffering came to an end. Her husband Tim and her son Zach were by her side as she took her last breath.
Why We’re Raising Funds
We are raising funds in memory of Debbie to support the CJD Foundation — to advance critical research, raise awareness, and support families who are facing this same nightmare.
There is no cure for CJD. There is no treatment. But there is hope — and that hope lives in the generosity of those who care enough to help.
Every dollar donated helps us move closer to earlier diagnoses, better care, and — one day — a cure. It means fewer families have to experience this level of heartbreak. It means Debbie’s fight will not be in vain.
Please consider donating in memory of Debbie. Help us honor her legacy — with hope, love, and action.
Thank you.