In January, my life and my family’s lives changed forever when we lost my mom to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).

Watching my mom go through this disease was one of the hardest and most heartbreaking things I have ever experienced. There are truly no words to describe what it feels like to watch someone you love so deeply change so quickly because of an illness you never imagined would become part of your family’s story.

But when I think of my mom, CJD is not what I want to remember.

I want to remember the woman she was before this disease ever entered our lives.

My mom was full of life. She was funny, loving, and someone whose presence could never go unnoticed. She loved her family with her whole heart, and she was an incredibly loving grandmother. Her family and her grand-daughters meant everything to her.

CJD may have taken her from us, but it will never take away who she was.

It cannot take away her laughter. It cannot take away the memories we made together. It cannot take away the love she gave us or the love we will continue to have for her for the rest of our lives.

We loved my mom unconditionally through every moment of this journey, and we continue to love her just as deeply today. Her memory lives within all of us—in the stories we tell, the moments that remind us of her, and the love she left behind.

I am raising funds in her memory because no family should have to experience the heartbreak of CJD. I hope that sharing her story can help bring more awareness to this devastating disease, support research, and give hope to other families who may one day find themselves facing the same unimaginable diagnosis.

Mom, this is for you. 

CJD was only a small part of your story. It will never define the beautiful life you lived or the woman we knew and loved.

We will remember you for your laughter, your personality, the love you gave so freely, and the incredible mother and grandmother you were.

We love you unconditionally. We miss you beyond words. And your memory will live forever in our hearts. ❤️

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.

The deadline for Sponsors' names (individuals) or logos (companies) to appear on participant t-shirts is Sunday, August 9th at 11:59pm Eastern time. Sponsorships made after the sponsorship deadline will have their name or logo* displayed on the Strides for CJD website only.