Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Awareness Month September 2013 has officially kicked off.
A certificate of congratulations was presented by Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong to The Southern Ontario CMT Action and Support Group on Aug. 27 for declaring September as CMT Awareness Month in Canada.
Group facilitator Kelly Detta-Hall has been spearheading the support group and events in Fergus since 2011 and has been involved in many initiatives to increase awareness, establish supports and develop medical resources for those living with or caring for someone with this disease in Canada.
CMT is the most commonly inherited neuropathy in the world. Although unknown to many, it affects one in 2,500. The group’s mission is to spread support groups, events and resources across the country.
The Third Annual Walk for CMT Fergus Fundraiser will be held on Sept. 29 at 9:30am in Victoria Park in Fergus. This 2 or 5km walk, run, jog or bike – which also includes fundraising prizes, snacks and refreshments – is a family event and everyone is invited to join. To make a donation go to www.cmtausa.org/url/fergus.
The group is hosting a Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder Conference to educate people about CMT, its progression and treatment. The conference is being held at the Victoria Park Seniors Centre (150 Albert Street West in Fergus) on Nov. 30.
Dr. Michael Shy is the director of the CMT Clinic and co-director of the Neuromuscular Program and MDA Program at the University of Iowa and will be leading the conference.
The session for medical professionals is from 9 to 11am. Attendees will hear from Dr. Shy about current advances in CMT research and care. Cost is $30.
The patient and family portion, from 1 to 4pm, will include Dr. Shy speaking about understanding the genetics of CMT and the different therapeutic approaches involved. Cost is $20.
For more information or to get involved contact Kelly Detta-Hall at southernontariocmt@hotmail.com or at 1-519-843-6119.
