Team CMT member Kevin Klein ran the Madison Half Mararthon on May 31st in under 2 hours. A time he is rightfully proud of since it was a very hilly and tough course. He shared the course with Team CMT members Kathy Stultz and Cheryl Monnat in the half and Chris Wodke in the full marathon.
Keving is wearing the STAR singlet all Team CMT members wear. The Team CMT singlet takes its inspiration from the STAR (Strategy to Accelerate Research) project of the Charcot Marie Tooth Association. The dream of Team CMT members is a world without CMT. The team runs for those that can't. Many people with CMT have difficulty walking and doing simple tasks like opening jars.
We represent the CMTA in raising awareness of this disorder that affects 150,000 Americans.
CMT is unique in that it's cause has been pinpointed. CMT is caused by 33 different gene defects. These gene mutations can also be reproduced as tissue cultures opening up the possability of a treatment or cure. The STAR research project was started to raise money for CMT related research. Team CMT members are hoping to raise awareness and funds for this important research.
CMT 1a the most common type is cause by a duplication of a gene which causes an over production of a protein (PMP 22). PMP 22 and myelin are made by cells known as Schwann cells. Myelin is the insulation that surrounds the nerve fibers fibers or axons. The over production of PMP22 cause the myelin sheath around the never fiber to deteriorate. Because of this the nerve impules do not transmit efficiently and the muscle tissue weakens and there is loss of sensation.
Money already raised as part of the STAR project is funding three major projects to study the gene and its response to possible drug treatments. It is hoped these projects will lead to the development of a treatment for CMT within the next 3-5 years.
Team CMT is proud to be part of the effort to bring awareness of CMT and help raise funds for CMT research. We began recruiting members in April and are now 34 members strong in 10 states and England. It is exciting to think how much more we will grow. I never dreamed when laying out the design for the singlet this winter we would have 34 members.
Kevin is one of many runners we have on the team in the Milwaukee Area. Kevin lives in Franklin with his wife and children. In the winter he is a member of the National Ski Patrol at Crystal Ridge. He studied at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Kevin also loves to travel and recently took a trip to Peru that included the Inca Trail and Macu Pichu. We're proud to have someone like Kevin on Team CMT.
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.
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