This year, my family and I are participating in Strides for CJD 2025 in honor of my brother, Tim, who we lost far too soon to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. His sudden and tragic death turned our world upside down. CJD is a rare and rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease, and its effects on a person are devastating. In what felt like a matter of weeks, we watched CJD strip away the man we knew and loved. The disease moved with an alarming speed, taking his memory, coordination, and ability to communicate, leaving our family in shock and grief.
Tim was a vibrant and loving person, and his absence has left a profound void in our lives. What was particularly painful was the lack of awareness and information surrounding CJD. We felt lost and isolated, grappling with a diagnosis we had never heard of before. The illness progresses so quickly that there is little time to process what is happening, let alone find resources and support. This is why our family feels so strongly about raising money for the CJD Foundation. We want to ensure that other families facing this nightmare are not alone and that they have the support and knowledge they need to navigate this unimaginable journey.
By joining Strides for CJD, we are not only honoring Tim's memory but also fighting for a future where CJD is no longer a death sentence. The funds we raise will directly support the CJD Foundation's mission to provide family support, medical education, and critical research programs. These resources are vital for offering hope and comfort to those affected by this disease. Every dollar brings us one step closer to understanding CJD, finding a treatment, and ultimately, a cure.
We invite you to join us in this fight. Whether you walk with us on the day of the event, donate to our team, or simply help us spread awareness, your support makes a tangible difference. Together, we can turn our pain into purpose and make sure that no other family has to go through what we did without help. On behalf of Tim and our entire family, thank you for your compassion and generosity.
