This month is Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Awareness Month. Due to COVID-19, there cannot be any of the typical events, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. From a virtual dog walk to a photo contest, there are plenty of ways to get involved and raise awareness for CMT.
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.
What You Can Do
The purpose of this month is to bring awareness and education. These two things work to improve the diagnostic process, recognition, comprehension, and management of CMT. Considering that those with CMT, like most rare disease patients, have to go through a lengthy and emotionally draining process to receive a diagnosis and find the correct physician and treatment, raising awareness and educating others is extremely important.
To do so, the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation has created virtual events, all with the theme “CMT is Ruff.” This is a play on the service dogs that many patients require. But not just those with service dogs and CMT should participate, everyone should. If you don’t have a dog, you can download one of the official CMT service dog, Marvin.
You can also participate in the virtual dog walk, buy a bandana for you or your dog, join the CMT dance party, and enter the photo contest. If none of these interest you, donations are always welcome, or you could change your profile picture on Facebook to one with a frame that raises awareness.
A 90 minute master class is available with a $25 donation, and it will teach CMT patients to attain their goals. If you donate $30, you will get a CMT Awareness Kit that comes with things like plush socks and a Neurotoxic Drug Card.
There are so many things that you can do to raise awareness and help those with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Read even more here.
