In October 2018, Kelley Davis’ mother, Rita McCormick, fell and broke her hip. By December, Kelley noticed strange symptoms—such as her mother’s legs shaking uncontrollably and being unable to stand. They went to several different doctors who thought she may have nerve damage from breaking her hip or maybe had suffered a stroke. No treatments seemed to be working and she continued to decline. In January, they traveled to the University of California San Francisco where a neurologist diagnosed her with CJD.
Just two weeks after receiving the diagnosis, her mother passed, on February 21, 2019. That year, Kelley founded the Strides for CJD Auburn event.
Kelley and her thirteen-year-old daughter, whose grandmother was her best friend, are committed to raising money in her honor. By hosting the Auburn Strides for CJD event, they are able to connect with other families, some who travel more than two hours, to join their efforts.
“Each year I host Strides for CJD, a lot of emotions are brought to the surface; but, when I am able to reach new families who have experienced this horrific disease and form a community of support, I know it’s worth it.”