The entire Fear family supports the CJD Foundation and participates in the Strides for CJD events every year. Since 2015, we have been working hard to spread awareness of CJD (Creutzfeldt Jacob Disease) through the Strides for CJD event. On November 17, 2014, Chuck Fear, age 45, lost his life because of CJD. His mother, Diane, is positive for the gene that carries CJD, and her father, Frank Pustek, passed away in 1983 at the age of 70 due to CJD. In January of 2015, Diane's cousin, Nancy, passed away due to CJD, and just this year, another cousin, Charlotte, passed away from it. There are others in the family that are suspected to have been afflicted with CJD, but were never tested. We hope and pray that we can stop CJD from taking any more family members, or anyone else, for that matter!

CJD is a heartbreaking disease. Typical symptoms include personality changes, anxiety, depression, memory loss, impaired thinking, vision abnormalities, insomnia, difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, myoclonus (sudden jerky movements), impaired balance and falling, tremors and weakness. The duration of the illness is generally a few months to 2 years, but most of the time death comes within one year of the onset of symptoms. Can you help us? We would appreciate any donation towards this cause.

The CJD Foundation plays a critical role in finding a cure, and for helping and supporting patients and families. The mission of the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation is to support families affected by Prion Disease, raise awareness, and support medical education and research.  Please help the CJD Foundation in their mission by participating/registering for Strides for CJD, and/or making a donation.

Thank you!