Helen Golden and her two daughters, Shannon and Michelle, began hosting the Pittsburgh area Strides for CJD event in 2018 in memory of their beloved husband and father Pat Golden.

Pat started showing early symptoms of CJD, memory loss and confusion, in July 2016 and was originally misdiagnosed with depression and advised to see a psychologist and neurologist.

His symptoms rapidly progressed and after a spinal tap he was diagnosed with CJD in September and given just two weeks to live. He passed on October 12, 2016.

While the Golden’s didn’t learn about the CJD Foundation until after Pat had passed away, they have since become involved with helping raise awareness and finding a cure. In 2017 they traveled to Cleveland, OH to participate in the Strides for CJD event and were happy to be with others affected by prion diseases who shared similar experiences. In 2018, they decided to start hosting the Pittsburgh Strides for CJD event as a way to honor Pat’s legacy. To participate in a Strides for CJD in Pittsburgh or near you, visit www.strides4cjd.com.