Each year, I create a team in memory of my dad, Patrick Yobs for Strides 4 CJD. The event takes place the weekend of his birthday each year in October, and the weekend feels full of memories of him. I'm reminded by all of his lifelong friends and family that his presence is as strong today as it ever was, and I feel more excited than ever to contribute to research and awareness of CJD, a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease that took his life, and has affected our family along with so many others. 

This year has been a tumultuous one. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, my family, my dad's closest friends, and the CJD community are not able to come together in person for our annual run. Keeping the faith and our determination alive is much more of a challenge, and raising money and awareness will be more difficult. That's why I'm asking my friends and family to keep the CJD Foundation and my dad in their thoughts, and to contribute their time and support on social media, or donate to my team in his memory.