Unfortunately, Jody McPherson, 47, a veteran firefighter with the Mesquite Fire Department, passed away after his battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).

As reported by Selena Hernandez of CBS News Texas, McPherson was loved and appreciated by so many people within his community. He was a caring husband and father, a long-time firefighter (celebrating 17 years on the job in 2023), and someone who always gave back to others. 

Now the community is reaching out to support and uplift his family by holding a GoFundMe. If you would like to donate, you may do so here. 

His loss is devastating for his family and for the greater community at large. The Patient Worthy team sends our condolences to the McPherson family.

Each year, only an estimated 350 to 500 people in the United States are diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure. It is incredibly important to continue advocating for increased research, education, and understanding around CJD to work towards a point where we can save the lives of those affected. 

About Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a very rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by abnormalities in the prion protein. The CDC explains that the exact cause of CJD is unclear, but it’s believed to result from misfolded prion proteins. As the abnormal proteins continue to misfold, the proteins nearby become affected. CJD often progresses rapidly and is fatal. This condition typically manifests between 45 to 75 years old, with symptoms including:

• Muscle weakness in the arms and legs
• Visual disturbances and/or blindness
• Severe mental deterioration and/or dementia
• Insomnia
• Difficulty walking
• Problems with balance and coordination
• Slurred speech
• Involuntary muscle movements
• Impaired memory and judgment
• Confusion
• Pneumonia
• Changes in mood, behavior, and personality
• Inability to move or speak

If you have a loved one going through CJD, you are not alone. The Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation offers a number of support groups to help you during this time.