On November 1, nearly 70 walkers and runners gathered at Keswick Park to participate in the 1st Annual Strides4CJD 5K. Rainy weather did not keep participants from coming together to help raise awareness and funds for the national CJD Foundation. The event coincided with races of the same name all over the country that weekend.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rare, rapidly progressive brain disorder which kills ~1 in a million people in the US. There is no treatment or cure, and this neurodegenerative disease is invariably fatal.
Atlanta area families affected by this disease, were able to come together to support each other, and share memories about their deceased loved ones. This is the first national fundraiser the CJD Foundation has conducted.
The Atlanta race raised nearly $5000 before national race sponsorships. Proceeds of this event will go to the CJD Foundation General Fund, which supports advocacy, medical education, family support, and research programs. The CJD Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, offers families a 7-day HelpLine, referrals, an annual conference, and support groups. The CJD Foundation is currently funded in most part by the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can learn more about the CJD Foundation at http://www.cjdfoundation.org.
Special thanks to race volunteers, Jennifer Rackley with Parks & Recreation, and the Chamblee police department for escorting the race, ensuring everyone’s safety and going above and beyond in encouraging participants throughout the race. Race organizers look forward growing the Atlanta Strides4CJD 5K in 2016.