ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – For the fourth consecutive season, the St. Bonaventure University women's lacrosse team Bonnies will be raising funds for the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, or CJD, Foundation with the campaign getting started this weekend against conference foe George Mason on Saturday, April 15 at the Marra Athletic Complex.

CJD is a rare, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease which affects about one person in every million people per year – around 500 cases in the United States each year. The disease has no known cure and is unknown by many as it is so rare. During the 2019 season, CJD hit home for members of the Bona women's lacrosse program as Bonnies alumnae Jessica Losquadro '21 tragically lost her father, Michael, to the disease during the middle of her sophomore season. 

"I cannot thank this program enough for continuing to raise awareness for this cause," stated Losquadro.  "As I have said in the past, there is no other community like St. Bonaventure's. The endless support and love my family has received is something I will never forget. I appreciate every person who takes part in the fundraiser and cannot wait to see what the girls will do."

This cause is especially important to those on the team that played with Losquadro. Senior Terri Manzelli emphasized the impact this cause has had on both the team and the Losquadro family, "Jess has had a lasting impact on this team since she graduated" said Manzelli. "She feels like family to myself and a lot of other girls and it means a lot for this program to continue raising awareness about for CJD."

Manzelli also stated, "Dedicating a game in honor of her father is the least we can do to keep the Losquadro legacy alive and show our support of her family and all the lives affected by the disease. The cause is near and dear to our hearts and we look forward continuing this tradition for years to come." 

The Bonnies will be wearing purple hair ties this weekend, the color associated with the CJD Foundations efforts, to raise awareness for the cause and honor the memory of Michael Losquadro. As in year's past, the Bonnies have set up direct donations through the CJD Website. The links to donate can be found below.

To donate, please click here.

To learn more about CJD, visit the foundation's website by clicking here.

CJD Foundation provides family support, medical education and research programs to those impacted by the disease. Those looking to support the foundation further or contact representatives for assistance can visit cjdfoundation.org or call a toll-free helpline at 1-800-659-1991.
 
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