The CJD Foundation hosted its first Strides4CJD walk in 2021 in Saratoga Springs NY. My sister Donna and my husband Jim participated in memory of my Dad, Charles Hildenbrand. My Dad, also know as Grandpa, Uncle Bud and Chuck to his many friends, died at the age of 64 from CJD, only 2 years after he retired. Dad went from an active vibrant man to being confused, whispering when he talked, needing help dressing, eating, and walking in a few short weeks. Multiple doctors, hospital stays, misdiagnosis and unproductive treatments led us to Albany Medical hospital in Albany NY. He was admitted for a new round of testing and thru a process of elimination, CJD was the diagnosis. A brain biopsy confirmed. He was in the hospital a total of 20 days and passed away with all of us at his side.

CJD is caused by a prion that was creating holes in his brain, eliminating his ability to function on all levels. There is no treatment, it is always fatal and difficult to diagnose.  CJD is in the group of chronic wasting diseases, the best know is Mad Cows disease which had a serious outbreak in Great Britian and was highly publicized. It can be present in many mammals including white tail deer, elk and sheep. The mode of transmission is still being studed. Myself, my son and my siblings are not allowed to donate blood to the Red Cross or be organ donors.  

We have created our Team Hildenbrand Halo in memory of our Dad. Our fundraising is to support the CJD Foundation in research for testing, treatmet and I pray in my lifetime a cure will be found so other families will not have to go thru what our family did. 

So please join our Team, donate if you can, beome a sponsor or just register and join us on October 1 2022! 

Thanks from my whole heart.

Darlene

To donate to my Strides for CJD text STRIDES2022 to 50155. 

Donations of $250 and above are considered sponsorships.

Sponsorship Levels:

• Diamond: $10,000
• Platinum: $5,000
• Gold: $1,000
• Silver: $500
• Bronze: $250

Diamond and Platinum Sponsors will have their name or logo displayed on participant t-shirts, the Strides for CJD website, and signage. Gold Sponsors will have their name or logo displayed on the Strides for CJD website, and will have their name listed on participant T-shirts and signage. Silver and Bronze Sponsors will have their name listed on the Strides for CJD website only.