The month of September has been designated as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) awareness month. A news release issued by the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation (HNF), reports that as a nod to the designation, the nonprofit is joining with a group of committed patients, caregivers, friends, philanthropists, and businesses to host events, broadcast video public service announcements, and introduce corporate partnerships and activities designed to heighten awareness and raise funds for CMT research, with the ultimate goal of paving the way to treatments and cures for CMT.

To date, there is no cure for the progressive disease, which over time causes patients to lose normal use of the legs, and in more extreme cases, experience severe impairment of the hands or issues with the vocal cords and breathing.

Broadcasts include a video, featuring interviewer Arthur Kade that highlights the challenges of living with CMT. Additionally, throughout the month of September California Pizza Kitchen is partnering with HNF to raise awareness and funds through a charity-giving program.

The release states that additional events include a Spin-for-a-Cure event on September 27 on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

HNF reports that it has also recently received support from Pharnext, a French biopharmaceutical company that aims to discover and develop new therapeutics for orphan and common neurological diseases, such as CMT.

HNF’s mission centers on increasing 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 help lead to treatments and cures.

Source: HNF