On Sunday, October 7, supporters of those affected by Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) will gather at Lake Ming in Bakersfield for Strides for CJD  in memory of Bakersfield’s 25^th Mayor Harvey L. Hall.  The event will feature a 2-mile leisure walk and 5K run/walk.

Strides 4 CJD will allow supporters to pay tribute to Mayor Hall and others affected by CJD and to raise awareness of this rare neurodegenerative disease that has no treatment or cure. Hall became suddenly ill in April of this year and in a few short weeks, on May 19, he succumbed to what was diagnosed as the sporadic form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.

CJD is caused by “prions,” proteins that can misfold in the brain, with devastating effects, including rapid mental and physical deterioration.  CJD is the most common of the “prion diseases.”  Prion diseases are invariably fatal.

“We expect more than 2,000 people around the U.S. to participate, including many in Bakersfield,” said Debbie Yobs, CJD Foundation President.  “The funds raised will provide vital assistance for our family support, medical education, and research programs.  Participants in Strides for CJD also raise awareness of prion diseases like CJD in their communities and through social media,” she added.

Adult registration is $30 and $20 for children until September 14.  To register, visit www.Strides4CJD.com and scroll down to the Bakersfield event or follow this link: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/team/822576.  Participants can walk in memory of Mayor Hall or create their own team to honor a loved one impacted by CJD.  Registration includes a BBQ lunch, event t-shirt, wrist band, and commemorative event medal.  The registration table opens at 9 a.m. with a 2-mile leisure walk starting at 10 a.m. followed by a 5K run/walk at 10:30 a.m.  A barbecue lunch will be served starting at 11:15 a.m.

Strides for CJD events will also be held that week in Atlanta; Beverly Hills; Boston; Charleston, West Virginia; Chicago; Cleveland; Denver; Joppatowne, Maryland; Minneapolis; Morris County, NJ; Pittsburgh; Scottsdale, Arizona; Seattle; and Wausau, Wisconsin.  In addition, many will participate as individuals and small groups across the country and will post pictures on social media with hashtags #CureCJD and #Strides4CJD to raise awareness of the disease.

“CJD advances at a rapid pace and is difficult to diagnose,” said Debbie Yobs.  “It is crucial that we educate medical professionals about the disease, raise awareness, provide family support, and trigger much more research – and Strides for CJD helps with all of those missions,” she said.

Proceeds will support the CJD Foundation’s General Fund, which supports medical education, family support, and research programs.  To register or sponsor, visit www.strides4cjd.com or www.cjdfoundation.org.

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About the CJD Foundation

The CJD Foundation provides support for families affected by prion disease.  Programs include research grants, a seven-day HelpLine, referrals and caregiving information, family workshops, and support groups, as well as medical education and an annual conference for families and scientists.  For more information, call 800?659-1991 or help@cjdfoundation.org.