The CMT Research Foundation has announced that September will be Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease Action Month. The switch from awareness to action illustrates just how much CMT patients and their families need more than just awareness.

About Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, is a neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. It occurs as the result of mutations in various genes (CMT1, CMT2, CMT3), all of which result in the death of peripheral nerves. Depending on which gene is affected, this condition can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or recessive pattern. Regardless of inheritance, affected individuals will all experience foot deformities, difficulty with walking and fine motor skills, weakness in the hands and feet, and lower leg deformities. There is currently no cure for this disease, although physical and occupational therapy are used to maintain muscle strength and use. Pain medications may also be prescribed.

CMT Action Month

Awareness is no longer enough for those with CMT. Despite the fact that this condition was discovered 130 years ago, there is still no treatment or cure. There needs to be something done to improve the lives of those with CMT.

That is why September will be CMT Action Month rather than CMT Awareness Month; everyone will be pushed to help those with the disease. The CMT Research Foundation will be taking action: they plan to launch a video series that will help educate patients and their families on the treatment and drug development process, release the CMT Research Champions Program to help fund research, and match every dollar donated through September 30th.

You can donate to the foundation here. Find more ways to help here.