Collins Family’s Story
Amy Collins lost her life to CJD on December 14, 2018.
The Collins Family was the 3rd highest fundraising team nationally in 2021, the 4th highest fundraising team nationally in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and the 2nd highest fundraising team nationally in 2025.
Alex’s Family Story
Alex wrote the script and directed the film Farewell Fire, a story about life, death, and the perspective that nature gives us on how to live, inspired by his father who passed away from Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in 2020.
Low Family’s Story
Dr. Gary K. Low lost his life to CJD on August 29, 2020.
The Low Family was the 2nd highest fundraising team nationally in 2022.
Kendall Family’s Story
Evelyn M. Kendall lost her life to CJD on August 2, 2019.
Evelyn’s family was the 2nd highest fundraising team nationally in 2020 and the top fundraising team for Strides for CJD – Arlington, TX in 2021.
Lamari Family’s Story
Frank S. Lamari, Jr. lost his life to CJD on May 14, 2021. The Lamari Family began hosting Strides for CJD in Johnsonburg, PA in October 2021 and was the 5th highest fundraising team nationally in 2022 and the 2nd highest fundraising team nationally in 2023.
Yaffa Family’s Story
Jerry Yaffa lost his life to CJD on June 21, 2005.
The Yaffa Family was the 2nd highest fundraising team nationally in 2021 and the 3rd highest fundraising team nationally in 2022 and 2023, the 2nd highest fundraising team nationally in 2024, and the top fundraising team nationally in 2025.
Trevor’s Story
Trevor is a producer and editor. He is known for his production of the television series, “Wahlburgers” and “Alaska: The Last Frontier,” but we think his greatest work is the 2014 film, “One in a Million: A CJD Documentary.”
Rhonda’s Story
Discover how Rhonda celebrates the life of her husband, Jon, by hosting an annual fundraising event that supports scientific research grants.
Lavonne’s Story
Harvey L. Hall, Bakersfield, California’s 25th Mayor, and an EMS pioneer, as the founder of Hall Ambulance Service, lost his life to CJD on May 19, 2018, just two weeks and seven hours after diagnosis.He was one of the longest-serving mayors in Bakersfield’s history, serving from 2000-2016.
Kathy’s Story
Find out more about Kathy and who inspires her to host this annual fundraiser that supports CJD research.