CJD Aware! Unveils Their Revamped Website

CJD Aware! is a New Orleans-based organization where individuals and other organizations can
obtain information about Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). It was founded in the spring of 2002 after
the death of the founder's mother, Sara Brom, from the sporadic/classic form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Mrs. Brom, an artist, was 65 years old when she died on November 12, 2000. CJD is a rare, degenerative,
invariably fatal brain disorder that typically occurs at about age 60. There are 3 major categories
of CJD - sporadic/classic CJD, hereditary/genetic CJD and acquired/iatrogenic CJD. There is no
single diagnostic test for this disease, the only way to confirm a diagnosis of CJD is by brain biopsy
(very dangerous) or autopsy. "Before my mother was diagnosed with this disease, my family and
I had never heard of it," added Ms. Brom. "After her death, I founded CJD Aware! to assist other
families who have to deal with this rare infectious disease. CJD Aware! had its first website in 2003,
but now it's time for an updated one." At present, the new site has eight pages. In addition to the
Welcome page, there is a 'Mission' page about CJD Aware's! goals; 'About CJD' has a brief description
about Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease; the 'Resources' page contains information about the brochures and
newsletters currently available at CJD Aware!; 'Special Events' informs the public about
upcoming CJD Aware! events and those of colleagues; 'Current News' has progress reports on CJD
Aware's! current projects; 'Donate' contains information about donating to the National Prion Disease
Pathology Surveillance Center in Cleveland, Ohio; 'Shop With Us' will feature one-of-a-kind items to
sell to the public to promote CJD awareness, and the 'Contact Us' page gives CJD Aware's! mailing
address and contact emails.

The main goal of the CJD Aware! website is to increase the knowledge base of anyone who is looking
for information about Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. CJD has posed problems for doctors and researchers
since the 1920's, and shows no evidence of disappearing completely from the world. Scientists and
doctors are working throughtout the world to develop early detection tests, and find cures and treatments
as research continues on Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Any knowledge of CJD is the key to
the eventual annihilation of one of the worst infectious diseases known. "Sharing information to find a cure"
remains CJD Aware's! beacon in this dark of night known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.