INTERNATIONAL CREUTZFELD-JAKOB DISEASE AWARENESS DAY—NOVEMBER 12, 2006

November 12, 2006 is designated as the day when families and dedicated organizations formally recognize Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare 100% fatal brain disease which affects approximately one person per million worldwide each year or approximately 300 new cases in the U.S. each year.

The Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Foundation, a national patient/family support organization located in Akron, Ohio recently participated in the formation of the CJD International Support Alliance. This Alliance includes members of the CJD family support foundations from Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The purpose of the CJD International Support Alliance is to: create international dialogue and collaboration between prion disease support organizations around the world and to work together to create global initiatives on behalf of all patients and families affected by prion diseases including those at risk. We “speak with one voice” in support of clearly defined goals which benefit those we represent.

By formally recognizing those affected by CJD once each year we hope to bring attention to the pain and suffering this disease brings and to acknowledge the researchers who work to find the cause and the cure.

The Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Foundation is a not for profit organization providing support and advocacy work on behalf of patients and families affected by this rare, always fatal brain wasting disease. For more information, contact the CJD Foundation at 1(800) 659-1991 or www.cjdfoundation.org.
Contact: Florence Kranitz
November 6, 2006 (330) 665-5590