Strides for CJD Bakersfield brings awareness

On Sunday, Oct. 13, supporters of those affected by Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) will gather at Lake Ming for Strides for CJD Bakersfield, in memory of Bakersfield’s 25th Mayor Harvey L. Hall.

The event will allow supporters to pay tribute to Mayor Hall and others affected by CJD and to raise awareness of CJD, a rare neurodegenerative disease that has no treatment or cure. Hall became suddenly ill in April 2018 and in a few short weeks, on May 19, he succumbed to what was diagnosed as the sporadic form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.

The Hall family connected with the CJD Foundation and decided to host a Strides event in Bakersfield. For the second year in a row, Team Big H, in Memory of Harvey L. Hall, has been recognized as the Top Fundraising Team Nationwide Winner!

“This year, we have become aware of other local families who have a loved one that has or is currently battling Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease,” said Mark Corum, co-captain of the Bakersfield event. Part of what we are doing is to create a support mechanism for one another and connecting them with resources through the CJD Foundation.”

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.

Registration is available onsite with Adult registration costing $35 and $25 for ages 12 and under. 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 (while supply lasts), wrist band, and commemorative event medal. The registration table opens at 9 a.m. with the 2-mile leisure walk starting at 10 a.m., followed by the 5K run at 10:30 a.m. A barbecue lunch prepared by the Bakersfield Breakfast Lions will be served starting at 11:15 a.m.

Strides for CJD events are also taking place in Boston, Atlanta, Joppa, MD, Charleston, Chicago, Akron/Cleveland, Denver, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Mesa, AZ, Wausau, Morris County, New Jersey, St. Louis, Auburn, and Delaware. 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. For more information, visit http://www.strides4cjd.com or http://www.cjdfoundation.org.

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 [email protected].