For Immediate Release:
September 16, 2014
Freeholders promote
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Awareness
Inherited disorder affects the
peripheral nerves outside brain and spine
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders is promoting Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) awareness by declaring the month of September as “Charcot-Marie-Tooth Awareness Month” in Monmouth County.
“CMT is an inherited disorder that affects the peripheral nerves that can cause those affected to lose control of their extremities,” said Freeholder Serena DiMaso. “It is so important to raise awareness of this disorder and to promote research and support for finding a cure.”
There are more than 70 kinds of CMT which is a group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord affecting an estimated 2.6 million people worldwide.
An inherited peripheral neuropathy, CMT is one of 40 diseases covered by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, but unlike muscular dystrophy, in which the defect is in the muscles, CMT is a disorder in which the defect is in the nerves that control the muscles and can lead to loss of sensory nerve functions.
A proclamation for “Charcot-Marie-Tooth Awareness Month” was presented on Sept. 11 to Mark Willis, Facilitator of the Central NJ CMT Support and Action Group, and Jacky Donahue, Co-facilitator of the Central NJ CMT Support and Action Group, who both have CMT.
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