UPDATE: August 31, 2021-

Dear friends and supporters of Strides for CJD – Bakersfield,

We were so eagerly looking forward to joining together on October 3 to walk/run in memory of those affected by Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. 

This year would have been extra special in that we would be hosting the event at its new home at California State University Bakersfield and the soon-to-be-completed Harvey L. Hall Family Plaza.

Throughout our planning for this year’s event, we knew there was the possibility of not being able to hold an in-person gathering due to the pandemic.  Unfortunately, we have now received word that CSUB has finalized its event policy for the Fall semester and will not allow any CSUB space rentals for this year, including Strides for CJD – Bakersfield.

While we are disappointed that we will not be able to gather in person, considering the current COVID-19 surge impacting Bakersfield, we believe this is the best decision for everyone’s health and safety.  As a result, the committee is now shifting gears to change Strides for CJD – Bakersfield to a virtual event.    

We are in contact with the CJD Foundation regarding event t-shirt distribution and other items related to our event.  We will share updates on the Bakersfield page available by going to https://www.strides4cjd.com and clicking on the link for our city.

There is good news to share!  Currently, Strides for CJD – Bakersfield is the Top Fundraising Location in the United States raising $57,407.89!  This was made possible through the support of our teams, including Team Big H in Memory of Harvey L. Hall ($51,359.00), Khachatur Manukyan ($1,805.00), Linda Jones ($2,377.89), and Larry Koman in Memory of Wayne Lepine ($100.00).  Your support will enable the CJD Foundation to continue to provide family support, research, and education towards finding a cure for CJD.  Thank You!

Although we cannot come together on October 3, a virtual event offers the opportunity to walk/run in memory of your loved one at a neighborhood park or the bike path.  Be sure to take pictures and post them with the following hashtags: #Strides4CJD #Strides4CJDBakersfield #CureCJD.

Stay safe, and we hope to see you in October 2022. 

Lavonne C. Hall

Two Weeks and Seven Hours
Being Faced with the Unimaginable
Two weeks and seven hours. That is the short period of time that took place from when we received Harvey's diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease to when his battle came to an end.

I was left lost and searching for answers and information about this rare disease. From that moment, I vowed to become a strong advocate dedicated to finding a treatment and cure for CJD. The CJD Foundation provided solace, and I soon learned that I was not alone. I've since joined the CJD Foundation Board and have met many other CJD families with similar experiences, including here in Bakersfield and Kern County.

Amazingly, much of the funding for research projects are underwritten by those who have lost a loved one to CJD and by those who host or participate in one of the 20 Strides for CJD events across the U.S. That’s why your support and involvement matters!

Help Us Keep Team Big H in Memory of Harvey L. Hall
#1 in the United States
For the past three years, Team Big H and the Bakersfield event have earned Top Fundraising Team and Site in the U.S.  Your participation enables the CJD Foundation to continue its mission of increasing awareness of prion disease, supporting patients and families, and raising funds to provide research grants in hopes of discovering a treatment or a cure.  

-Lavonne C. Hall