Bethel Park family participating in Strides for CJD event to honor late father, husband

Community members, family and friends of those affected by Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease will gather on Oct. 9 at South Park for Strides for CJD, a 5K walk/run.

The rare neurodegenerative disease currently has no treatment or cure. 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, and is invariably fatal, according to a news release from the CJD Foundation.

Among those who will be participating is Michelle Golden, a fifth-grade teacher, who is walking in memory of her dad, Pat Golden, who passed from the disease in October 2016. Her father worked as a civil engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers for more than 31 years. She describes him as the most selfless person she has ever known.

“He did absolutely everything for my mom, sister and me simply because he wanted to take care of us, not because he felt like he had to,” she said.

In July 2016, the family began noticing he was repeating things, and there were changes in his memory, including leaving notes for himself, forgetting where to send the water bill and being unable to balance the checkbook. By the end of the month, Golden said that her father’s changes were becoming more noticeable, “and frankly, quite frightening.”

Hospital visits followed in search of answers, but there were none immediately. Throughout the month of August, the 57-year-old continued to slip away. In addition to memory loss, he experienced confusion, hallucinations, aggression, increased anxiety, personality changes and the loss of balance, appetite and the ability to take care of himself.

“One day, he walked over to my mom with tears in his eyes, hugged her really tight, and said, ‘I guess I’m like a baby now,’” Golden said.

On Sept. 6, 2016, her father was taken to Allegheny General Hospital. Seven days later, he was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. He stayed in the hospital for about three weeks.

On Sept. 26, he was transferred to a hospice facility with his family by his side for the next two weeks and two days. Just 13 days short of his 58th birthday, he lost his battle to CJD.

Searching for answers, the Golden family came across the CJD Foundation and learned about its Strides for CJD events held in cities across the United States. They attended the event in Cleveland in October 2017.

“It was a beautiful day and a comforting event,” Golden said. “I immediately knew I wanted to start a Strides for CJD event in the Pittsburgh area.”

Strides for CJD allows impacted families to connect with others affected by this disease, in addition to raising awareness and funds to support CJD research.

The Golden family hosted their first event in 2018.

“My mom, sister and I host this event each year to keep our husband/father’s memory alive. This disease didn’t allow him to fight for his life, so in hosting Strides for CJD, we are fighting to honor my dad and all others who lost their lives to this horrific disease,” Golden said.

Strides for CJD – Pittsburgh will take place on Oct. 9 at the South Park Museum Building and adjacent track, 2100 Brownsville Road in South Park. Those interested in participating as a sponsor or participant should visit strides4cjd.com and click on the Pittsburgh event, under locations. Registration is $30 for adults and $20 for youths 12 and under.