In May, 2017 Dick was enjoying life. He was golfing in a league twice a week, exercising vigorously at the gym five days a week, and enjoying spending quality time with his family and friends. In early June, Dick started to develop problems with his eyesight. After a series of visits to every type of eye specialist known, and numerous tests, it was determined that nothing was wrong with Dick’s eyes, and we were referred to a Neurologist. At this point, only about a month after symptoms began, Dick was legally blind. Various neurological tests were done, including a brain scan and spinal tap, and while dozens of diseases were ruled out, we still did not know what was causing Dick’s health issues. However, one test did mention some possibilities, CJD being among them. Not being familiar with CJD, but after doing some online research, it was obvious that this was going to be Dick’s diagnosis.
Dick’s memory started to fade as quickly as his eyesight, and a memory test by a Neurology team confirmed that Dick no longer knew important dates or events, or even the names of close family members. As memory and communication skills worsened - in addition to being newly blind - for his own safety Dick was placed in a Skilled Nursing Facility where staff, supplemented by family members and “Visiting Angels”, provided 24 hour coverage so Dick did not injure himself or others. Dick’s final days were spent in Hospice care.
In three short months this devastating disease took the life and spirit from a seemingly invincible man. Our team is walking virtually, in hopes that no other person or family will have to live through this tragic ordeal.