Gerry’s Story

Site created on June 28, 2021

Hi all, welcome to Gerry's CaringBridge website. We (Laura, Mike, Tom, and Mehul) are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place.

After two long months of diagnostic testing and a rapid change in cognitive and motor function, we received confirmation that Gerry is dying from sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). This is an extremely rare, untreatable prion disease that rapidly (4-5 months) destroys healthy brain tissue, resulting in hallucinations, memory loss, uncontrollable jerking movements, and eventually coma.

If you know Gerry, then you’d see the irony in this end to her life. Please keep her smile, wit, silliness, and indomitable spirit in your minds and hearts as we embark on this sad journey. You can share your memories and photos of Gerry on here (please use “Well Wishes” above), and help us cover the cost of her palliative care (“Ways to Help”) or you can visit her Go Fund Me page here: https://gofund.me/51b4dad0
NOTE: Donations made through the “Tributes” page are for the CaringBridge website and do not go to Gerry’s care. 

We appreciate your words and support during this difficult time. Thank you for visiting and helping us celebrate her beautiful life.

Newest Update

August 9, 2021

Journal entry by Laura Malik —

Hi All,

We are in the process of planning a celebration of life in Syracuse. We have a date and a venue, but need to get an idea of the total number wanting to attend. Can you please post your interest in the comments below, PM me on Facebook, or send me an email at lauracmalik@gmail.com?

Thank you and we look forward to honoring my mom with a wonderful evening filled with music, food, and drink and those who loved her most.

Laura

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