We first heard the term 'CJD' on December 23rd, 2020, a week after Natalie's 22nd birthday. We thought that now we have a diagnosis and reason for her behavior changes, we can start on getting her better. Then the doctor told us that CJD is terminal, there is no cure. We were devastated.

Almost 3 years later, we witnessed Natalie continually decline. First it was her behavior and cognitive changes, then came the physical changes. She became bedridden, unable to effectively communicate, requiring 24 hour care. We were able to still get her to smile sometimes and she was always accommodating for us, trying to make it easier on us. It was a tough race, the toughest our family have ever been part of.

Natalie passed on August 23rd, 2023...just short while ago. We are adjusting to living our lives without her spark and joy. We are relived that she is not longer suffering and imprisoned by this disease that took everything away from her. We believe that she is truly in a better place, released from the restrictions of CJD.

We chose to donate her brain to the Prion Institute because we know she would've wanted to help find a cure. Please join us in our walk and donate below to help fund research to find a cure. 

Natalie and our family thank you!

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.