For as long as he could remember, Georgie Davey had one word that he thought described himself: “clumsy.” When he was a child, Georgie would frequently trip and fall. He had difficulty controlling his hand and leg movements, and often walked on his tiptoes. But once his toes began curling, his family knew that there might be something wrong. After a diagnostic journey, shares an article in The Sun, Georgie was eventually diagnosed with a rare condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). 

Georgie’s Story

Now, the 32-year-old father of two is working to share his story and raise awareness. As Georgie’s condition has progressed, he has found it more difficult to complete day-to-day tasks. He has trouble doing things that he once loved – from riding bikes and cooking to simply taking walks around the neighborhood. Feeling as though he has lost his independence has been one of the hardest parts of grappling with his diagnosis. 

However, Georgie is doing his best to stay positive throughout his journey. His goal is to be a role model and a mentor for his children, to normalize these differences. Georgie uses a mobility scooter to help him complete tasks, and he wants people to know that it’s okay to have these accommodations. 

Currently, Georgie’s family is running a GoFundMe to help raise the necessary funds to modify his home and add elements like a self-cleaning toilet. If you would like to donate to the cause and support Georgie and his family, you may donate here. 

Georgie doesn’t know what the future will bring or how his condition will progress. But he hopes that, whatever it brings, he’ll be able to continue spreading awareness and inspiring his children along the way. 

About Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) 

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), or hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, refers to a group of inherited neurological disorders. There are multiple subtypes based on whichever specific gene mutation occurs. These mutations cause peripheral nerve degeneration and inhibit communication between nerves and muscles. Although CMT is rare, it is also one of the most commonly inherited neurological disorders. Symptoms and onset vary based on subtype. However, common symptoms can include:

• High foot arches, hammertoes, or other foot deformities
• Weakness in the legs, ankles, and feet
• Curled toes
• Numbness or decreased sensation
• Foot drop and frequent tripping or falling
• Difficulty with fine motor skills
• Lower leg deformities due to muscle loss
• Muscle weakness and atrophy in the hands
• Difficulty walking