Natalie was officially diagnosed with CJD in February of 2021, but by that time, she had already declined from a witty, funny 22 year old college student. As the pandemic caused every student to come home in March of 2020, we started noticing some behavior changes. We struggled to understand what was happening and all her vitals came back 'normal'. We were told that she was suffering from anxiety and depression and needed some medication. 

Her condition kept getting more and more out of character; sudden OCD, repeating comments, struggling with words, failing to remember common things and directions, incoherent thoughts, and hallucinations. We knew this was more than 'anxiety and depression'.

We were told that Natalie's MRI from September 2020 was "normal". Then in December 2020 during Natalie's CT-Scan, the same radiologist noticed a drastic change in just 3 months. They amended the MRI from September and that was the first time we heard of CJD. At first, we were happy that there was finally a name for what was happening to our daughter, but then our hearts completely sank when the doctor said there is no cure and the lifespan of a CJD patient averages around 6 months.

Due to Natalie being young, a female, and symptoms started cognitively (rather than physically), we were told her duration would be longer. She declined so fast and was at the last stage, completely bedridden and unable to communicate for her last 18 months. Her duration was about 3 years.

During that time, we heavily relied on the CJD Foundation. Early on, we found a Facebook group and many people recommended getting hold of the Foundation. We called and left a message late one night and surprisingly, Debbie Yobs from the CJD Foundation called us right back. She was a calming influence and helped us get on track with what would be coming down the road.

The CJD Foundation is instrumental in finding a cure as well as providing care for both caregivers and patients. Help us continue the fight for a cure by sharing this fundraiser and contributing if possible. 

Thank you!

UPDATE!!!! Thank you for helping us reach the $1,000 goal to have Natalie's name included on this years Strides4CJD T-shirt! Let's keep going and make an impact on funding treatment options, clinical trials, support for families, and pushing to find a cure! THANK YOU!

To donate to our team, text STRIDES2024 to 50155. 

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.