Strides4CJD – Bakersfield Oct. 15

 

Now in its sixth year, Strides for CJD – Bakersfield has been selected as the CJD Foundation’s regional event for central and southern California families,

friends, and community members who would like to walk in honor or memory of a loved one affected by Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).

CJD is a rare neurodegenerative disease that has no treatment or cure.  Proceeds benefit the CJD Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, to provide family support, medical education, and research programs.

This year’s event will take place on Sunday, October 15, on the campus of California State University Bakersfield at the Harvey L. Hall Family Plaza, 9001 Stockdale Highway.  Hall served four terms as the city of Bakersfield’s 25th mayor and was a respected pioneer of emergency medical services. He lost his battle with the sporadic form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in May 2018, just two weeks and seven hours following diagnosis.

Onsite registration opens at 9 a.m., and the leisure walk through the CSUB campus begins at 10 a.m. Additional activities are being planned and will be announced on the event’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Strides4CJDBakersfield.

Participants can register online by clicking on the Bakersfield event at www.strides4cjd.com, and walk as individuals or create or join a team named in tribute to a loved one affected by CJD. The early bird rate for an adult walker is $30 and $20 for youths through September 14. Those who register by August 23 will receive a free event t-shirt.

Strides for CJD – B

akersfield is seeking corporate sponsorships for its 2023 event, ranging from $250 to $20,000 for premier-level support. Hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and corporations should contact Mark Corum, co-captain at bakersfieldstrides@outlook.com, before July 30 to discuss and enjoy full sponsorship benefits.

While CJD affects one in a million, you are not alone! Coming together with others who are going or have gone through the progression of the disease with a friend or family member can bring a sense of comfort, togetherness, and healing.

Strides for CJD – Bakersfield is one of 22 events held in cities across the United States during the first two weekends of October. Funds raised through Strides for CJD have positively impacted the CJD Foundation’s ability to provide and support the following programs.

Helpline and Support Groups: Helping families navigate their first days or weeks of diagnosis and caregiving.

Medical Education: Connecting with medical education departments of hospitals around the US to offer medical lectures from CJD experts about diagnosis, caregiving, and other vital information.

Advocacy: One of the best ways to help advance prion disease research is to ensure that legislators are educated about prion disease/CJD, its impact on patient families, and what’s needed to study the disease and move towards a cure. The CJD Foundation has been working harder than ever to amplify the voices of patients and caregivers in Washington, DC, and to advocate for increased funding for CJD surveillance and

research.

Research Grants: To date, the CJD Foundation has awarded 77 grants, totaling more than $4 million, to help support scientists who study prion disease. This year, for the first time, the CJD Foundation awarded a fellowship to an emerging scientist, in addition to awarding seven research grants.

ABOUT CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE

According to the California Department of Public Health, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rare disease of the brain and nervous system in humans that is part of a group called prion diseases. In these diseases, prions (proteins that are naturally found in the body) change shape, build up in the brain, and destroy brain and nerve tissue, causing nervous system disorders. These disorders include rapid onset dementia, personality changes, memory problems, impaired vision, difficulty walking, moving, and speaking, all of which worsen over time and ultimately lead to death. There are different types of CJD based on how the disease is caused.

California had 221 new CJD cases from 2013 to 2019, with 25 to 36 cases reported yearly. Of these cases, 172 (78%) were reported to have died with CJD.

About 1 out of every 3 cases were reported in Los Angeles County (40 cases) and San Diego County (37 cases).

A confirmed diagnosis can only be completed by examining brain tissue during an autopsy. There is no cure for CJD, and treatment is provided only to assist with ma

naging symptoms and to make the CJD patient more comfortable.

ABOUT THE CJD FOUNDATION

The CJD Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports families affected by prion disease. Programs include research grants, a seven-day HelpLine, family support groups, medical education, and an annual conference for families and scientists. For more information, call 800-659-1991, visit www.CJDFoundation.org, or email help@cjdfoundation.org

powered by Fluxar Studios
© 2024 Hall Ambulance. All Rights Reserved.