We lost Dr. Gary Low, aka Juju, on August 29,2020. He was a cherished son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and dentist to many in the Bay Area. He went from being a full-time dentist in San Francisco (with Dr. Charles Mohn and later with Dr Armand Bedrossian) to his death in 7 short weeks.
For those with CJD, this is not an uncommon story. It was a heartbreakingly, precipitous decline from initial balance symptoms to complete immobility. The swift onset of symptoms left us desperate for help as we navigated the medical system, insurance, hospice and home health care.
We were fortunate to find the CJD Foundation and Michael Geschwind's neorodegenerative disease team at UCSF. The CJD Foundation helped us to obtain the official diagnosis (in 4 weeks). And the team at UCSF helped us understand the disease and its progression, ultimately leading to Dr Low's decision to dontate his body to science.
There is no cure for CJD. In fact, there are no treatments available at this time. There is only HOPE that one day we can find a way to slow its progression and extend a higher quality of life. That is why we walk. And that is why we appreciate any contribution you can make to help us in our quest.
