Delia, was 52 when she was diagnosed with CJD. Diagnosed during the pandemic, she was confined to her hospital room with no visitors and spent her 52nd birthday lost in a fog of confusion caused by this monster, CJD, that we fight today.
Before she died, my mother lived her life unapologetically. She raised me to be as strong and independent as she was. An educated woman with the street credit only granted to the fiercest. My father described her once as the only person he knew, "that truly showed no fear to any person or situation." I always admired the crease in her brow at a challenge; even in her illness, she would squeeze my hand while I sobbed by her side and give me that same defiant look she gave the challenges she had faced throughout life. The disease had taken her body and voice, but her spirit remained tough.
As of right now, there is no cure or treatment to slow down the effects of this disease. The funds raised from CJD Strides will go towards disease research and continued resources and support for families affected by this disease.
Each year our family raises money in honor of my mother, Delia, with the dream that one day we will find a cure.
We are Delia's dreamers
Gabriel Gomez