20 years later, the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation brings back its "eye-catching" PSA in support of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Awareness Month

NEW YORK, Sept. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation (HNF), an advocacy and research non-profit 501(c)3 organization, today brings back its "eye-catching" Public Service Announcement (PSA) 20 years after it was initially launched. It marks two decades of raising awareness for Charcot-Marie-Tooth, also known as CMT, a rare debilitating condition impacting an estimated 150,000 people in the US and millions worldwide.

Currently, thousands of people with CMT are undiagnosed, yet are suffering with the symptoms of this chronic and often disabling disease. 

CMT causes progressive nerve damage, eventually leading to muscle atrophy and loss. For young children and adolescents, early signs can include high arched feet, curled toes, absent or diminished deep tendon reflexes, difficulty getting up from the floor without using arms, and atrophy and muscle weakness in the hands. Frequent falls and ankle sprains can lead to bullying, shaming, and injuries, especially when undiagnosed. Children are often pushed into Physical Education class and other activities that are not adapted to their special needs. Many of these signs begin subtly and may go undiagnosed for years, but over time lead to feet and hands becoming deformed and difficult to use.

To donate to the cause, click here https://www.hnf-cure.org/donate-hnf/

Those with CMT often lose the ability to walk and may become dependent upon assistive devices to remain mobile. Severe, chronic pain is common. Scientists have discovered over 100 related genes but there are currently no cures and only palliative treatments available.

Declaring September as CMT Awareness Month puts more attention on CMT and is a special time for people to be part of HNF's ongoing efforts to inform the public, medical community, educators, and legislators about this often misdiagnosed disease.

How can CMT Awareness Month make a difference?

"Together, we can raise awareness, funds for research, and support the community by joining HNF's activities and participating in events across the globe" said Allison Moore, HNF Founder and CEO.

How can you help?

• HNF is hosting a "CMT Thrive" summer photo contest! Snap a photo showing how you THRIVE with a short description for a chance to win the cover of our CMT Update.
  
  All photos and descriptions will be uploaded to this website to share with your friends and family for voting.
  
  
• "Band Together for CMT" class resistance bands are a great place to start building a better and stronger you! Increase strength while boosting stamina, flexibility, range of motion, and more! Join our exclusive "Band Together for CMT" virtual fitness class with Movement is Medicine™ Ambassador, Julie Stone on 9/17 & 9/26.
  
  Get your exclusive guidebook of CMT-specific exercises plus 3 bands with every $25 donation. Let's "Band Together for CMT" today!
  
  
• Show your support for CMT families and increase awareness across the globe by updating your Facebook profile photo with your exclusive frame.
  
  
• Subscribe to our 30 days of CMT Self Care on social media and connect with our growing CMT online community. Be the first to learn about new resources, events and products when you follow us on social media! Submit your own photos and posts and tag us using hashtag #cmtwegotthis #cmtselfcare.

About Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation (HNF)
HNF is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization whose mission is to increase awareness and accurate diagnosis of CMT and related inherited neuropathies, support patients and families with critical information to improve quality of life, and fund research that will lead to treatments and cures. HNF developed the Therapeutic Research in Accelerated Discovery (TRIAD) program, a collaborative effort with academia, government and industry, to develop treatments for CMT. Currently, TRIAD involves many groups that span the drug discovery, drug development and diagnostics continuum.

Allison Moore [email protected] 646-429-0981

SOURCE Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation

Related Links

https://www.hnf-cure.org/donate-hnf/

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