Our Team Fundraising Page

This is Dick Muchowski’s story…

It has been more than five years since Dick was taken by CJD - a horrible disease. This is Dick’s story.

In May, 2017 Dick was enjoying life. He was golfing in a league twice a week, exercising vigorously at the gym five days a week, and enjoying spending quality time with his family and friends. In early June, Dick started to develop problems with his eyesight. After a series of visits to every type of eye specialist known, and numerous tests, it was determined that nothing was wrong with Dick’s eyes, and we were referred to a Neurologist. At this point, only about a month after symptoms began, Dick was legally blind. Various neurological tests were done at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, including a brain scan and spinal tap, and while dozens of diseases were ruled out, we still did not know what was causing Dick’s health issues. However, one test did mention some possibilities, CJD being among them. Not being familiar with CJD, but after doing some online research, it was obvious that this was going to be Dick’s diagnosis.

Dick’s memory started to fade as quickly as his eyesight, and a memory test by a Neurology team confirmed that Dick no longer knew important dates or events, or even the names of close family members. As memory and communication skills worsened - in addition to being newly blind - for his own safety Dick was placed in a Skilled Nursing Facility where staff, supplemented by family members and “Visiting Angels”, provided 24 hour coverage so Dick did not injure himself or others. Dick’s final days were spent in Hospice care. 

In three short months this devastating disease took the life and spirit from a seemingly invincible man. Our team is walking in hopes that no other person or family will have to live through this tragic ordeal.

                                                                       The Muchowski Family

Text to Give

To donate to our team, text STRIDES2023 to 50155

About Fundraising

Donations of $250 and above are considered sponsorships.

Sponsorship Levels:

  • Premier: $20,000
  • Diamond: $10,000
  • Platinum: $5,000
  • Gold: $1,000
  • Silver: $500
  • Bronze: $250

Premier, 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 (not their logo) listed on participant T-shirts and signage. Silver and Bronze Sponsors will have their name listed on the Strides for CJD website only.

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Our Team

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Our Supporters

  • Suzanne Simonetti October 2023 $53.00
  • Anonymous September 2023
  • Barbara Muchowski Jennie Hayes, Greg Chafin, Tim & Maria Chafin and Lauren & Jordan Griswold are making this donation to help find a cure for CJD, a devastating disease. September 2023 $175.90
  • Steve Muchowski September 2023 $159.00
  • Judy/George Pittaoulis September 2023 $53.00
  • Barbara Muchowski Mooch, you were truly “one in a million”, and memories of you are always with us July 2023 $1,000.00
  • Vivian Pepe Dick passed in September, 2017 from CJD and John passed this past June from Lewy Body Dementia, both terrible brain diseases. Both are loved and missed. September 2023 $265.00
  • Patricia Connelly August 2023 $265.00
  • Nancy Pecora In honor of a wonderful man taken too soon, from the Pecora family. August 2023 $265.00
  • Rob Connelly September 2023 $250.00

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About Strides for CJD

Strides for CJD is an annual walk/run to raise awareness of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare neurodegenerative disease that has no treatment or cure. Through this event, anyone -- anywhere -- can pay tribute to their loved ones and raise funds for the CJD Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.

Funds raised support our programs including:

  • Our 24/7 helpline, support groups, conference, and other family programs throughout the year.
  • Research grants to help scientists make important discoveries and bring us closer to a cure.
  • Medical education to help raise awareness and understanding of prion disease.