Support Trena's Battle with CJD

“Omne trium perfectum” — Everything that is three is perfect.

When I surprised my mother this Mother’s Day with a visit, I had no idea it would be our last celebration together. This year, I also gave her a special gift: a picture of the moon taken on each of her children’s birthdays, titled “Omne trium perfectum.” This story is about Trena, our beloved mommy, and our small tribe, which has always been well-protected and deeply loved. My siblings and I often discuss how to manage our parents' care, and now the time has come for us to care for our mother.

Trena has always been a force of nature. As she navigates this new phase of life, her children are stepping up to provide constant care. Recently, she was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare and aggressive form of dementia known as the “one in a million disease.” Unlike Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, CJD is caused by misfolded proteins in the brain, leading to rapid deterioration. Just a few months ago, Trena was completely independent, visiting her first great-grandchild at the beginning of May. By mid-June, her condition had declined so quickly that she could no longer manage her finances. By early July, when the diagnosis was confirmed, she couldn’t drive or even say her children’s names without prompting.

Since her diagnosis, we have exhausted our resources to ensure a smooth transition for her. We have spent over $10,000 on hospice and other medical costs not covered by insurance. Sadly, she was denied Medi-Cal, and other government assistance programs have been unable to provide support. This is why we are reaching out to friends and family, asking for help to support Trena during this challenging time.

On September 17, we relocated her to Texas so she could receive round-the-clock care. Her life expectancy is now estimated at six months or less, and we hope to celebrate her 70th birthday on October 19. We always sing the birthday song and end it with 'and many more.' This year feels different because, instead of 'many more,' we face the reality of no more. We love you forever, Trena.