To donate to our event text STRIDES2025 arlingtonstrides to 50155.
Taking over from Michelle, who led this cause with dedication for years, my wife, Corrina, and I, Zachary Adams, are honored to serve as the new captains of Arlington Strides for CJD in 2025. This event holds deep personal significance for us, as we lost my father to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in 2023. We are committed to continuing the mission of raising awareness, honoring those we’ve lost, and supporting families affected by this devastating disease.
In June 2023, my father, who lived in the UK, began experiencing frequent dizzy spells, confusion, and brain fog. His condition rapidly declined, and he was soon hospitalized, where he was diagnosed with CJD. In just a matter of weeks, on his birthday—June 29th—he tragically passed away.
CJD is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease with no cure, caused by misfolded proteins in the brain called prions. Though rare, it affects thousands of families across the U.S. and around the world, often striking suddenly and progressing with heartbreaking speed.
In the wake of my father’s passing, my wife discovered the Strides for CJD foundation, and we both participated in our first walk in 2023. Since then, these events have become a meaningful way for us to remember him, connect with others who share this experience, and work toward a future where no family has to face this disease alone. When the opportunity arose to become captains for the Arlington walk, we knew it was something we had to do.
This year’s Arlington Strides for CJD event will take place in person on Saturday, October 5, at Veterans Park. For us, this walk is not just a tribute to my father’s life but a chance to come together with others in the community who have been affected by this cruel disease. It’s a space for remembrance, support, and unity—ensuring that no one has to navigate this journey alone.
During the event, families will have the chance to say the names of those they’ve lost and share photos at the memory table—a powerful reminder that while our loved ones may be gone, they are never forgotten.
We invite you to join us—whether by walking, donating, or simply spreading awareness. Every step we take is a step toward hope, research, and, one day, a cure.