Team CMT Makes Debut

Three members of Team CMT were on hand for the inaugural run in Brown Deer this morning. Members Cheryl Monnat, Robert Kearney and Chris Wodke participated in the Badgerland Striders 10 K race. Robert was running his first 10 K.
It was a windy and 50F at race time. The stiff head winds made for a challenging race.  About 400 runners ran in both the 5K and 10 K races. For those of you who are metric challenged, a 5K is 3.1 miles and a 10 K is 6.2 miles.
Cheryl Monnat took first place in the 50-54 women's group with a time of 48:30, followed by team member Chris Wodke in 2nd place with a time just over 58:00 minutes. Robert Kearnery had a time of 50:00 minutes, well under his goal time of 55 minutes and a great effort for a first race.
It was a great kick off event in our efforts to raise awareness and funds for Charcot Marie Tooth disease.

I took a cool down run while Cheryl and Robert waited for the awards ceremony.  A trip and fall during the cool down remind me of why I started this effort. I have foot drop on both my feet causing me to sometimes trip when I walk or run.  It happens at the most unespected times. A year ago I didn't know what was causing it. Every time it happens it renews my commitment to raise awareness and to find a cure.  Thanks to all the Team CMT members for joining me in this goal!



Chris Wodke
Founder & Manager Team CMT
www.run4cmt.com

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have almost 100 members in 17 states. If you wish to join us visit our web site.

CMT or Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. It affects over 155,000 Americans (as many as MS).  It is a disease of the nerves that control the muscles. It is slowly progressive, causing loss of normal function and or sensation in the lower legs/feet and arms/hands.

Symptoms include; muscle wasting in the lower legs and feet leading to foot drop, poor balance and gait problems Atrophy in the hands causes difficulty with manual dexterity.

Structural foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes are common.

Poor tolerance for cool or cold temperatures and many people have chronically cold hands and feet.

Additional symptoms may include fatigue, sleep apnea, breathing difficulties and hearing loss.