Big grin. Collected pens. Loved BBQ ribs. Donated to every cause at the grocery store check out. Loved his cat Koda. Very devoted to his wife Martha and daughter Kate.

This is the brother I knew. David was the most generous with his time, talents and money.  He would mow others yards before his own.  Many times he would pick up and deliver furniture I bought at a thrift store.  He cared for our parents during their longterm illnesses. He could and would strike up a conversation with anyone. We learned it could be a long talk!   He enjoyed summer weekday excursions with Martha to the Amish country.   The itinerary was planned by route and items to purchase.  The coolers were placed in the back of the truck.  Always a good time ending with a buffet meal.

Then the changes, slight changes noticed at first.  We thought maybe related to COVID or his attention deficit.  Forgetfulness, inability to sleep, outbursts, to name a few changes.  A fall in late October 2024, sent him to the ER for tests.  Results found evidence of a brain bleed (subdural hematoma).  After the bleed, he was sent home,  scheduled to see a neurologist and appointments for physical, occupational and speech therapies. His leg movements became more uncontrollable even with a walker.  His speech changed also.  His wife insisted he return to ER.  He was admitted November 25.  Martha spent days with him while I spent nights.  He changed every day.  He needed help eating. Foods had to be soft and chopped.  He could not walk and stayed in bed.  The frustration could be seen in his face.  He had good days when he laughed at the Chevy Chase Christmas movie. He had bad days when he would not take medicine because he thought it was poison.  A spinal tap and MRI were ordered.  In late November, we were told the diagnosis was very likely CJD. Martha and David spent time together and decided he wanted to spend time at home.  Daughter Kate returned to Ohio to be with David, Koda and Martha at home.  After only one night of frustration for all, David returned to the hospital.  Hospice was arranged and his final days would be spent at a nearby Hospice center.  December 13, the grin was gone.   Martha, Kate, I and family will miss him dearly.  Help us make David’s request come true to find a cure for CJD.   Join family and I as we walk October 4.   Give to TEAM DAVID.

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.