Tragically, Mike Homer, a true Valley original, was recently diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a rare brain disorder.  Without going into details, medical diagnoses don’t get much worse than this one.  Valleywag called the news “shocking,” and indeed it is.   If there is a good side to this story, it’s that he’s close to the world’s leading authorities on this condition. The other heartening thing is the posse of people who love and admire Mike, pooling minds and resources to spur research and treatment options.  No doubt the ideas, energy and money will flow.  And hope, lots of hope.  While I haven’t seen Mike for more than a year (we are in the “friends of friends” category,) it seems like every time I’ve been around him, I’ve laughed to the point of nearly crying.  I know I’m not alone.  All that laughter has got to be therapeutic. 

So here’s a chance to return the favor.  If you know Mike and want to help, there’s a CJD event on June 14th at the Palo Alto Sheraton.

CJD, Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease, giving, Kontiki, Mike Homer, Silicon Valley, Valleywag