A little-known disease attacks the body’s neuromuscular system making it difficult for those afflicted by it to get around, but one Maine woman diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is not letting it slow her down.
This Sunday, September 14, Mary Louie will lead an awareness-raising walk around Peaks Island and is inviting the whole community – along with any mainlanders – to join her. The walk begins at 1 p.m. at the Inn on Peaks.
Marie Louie has previously participated in marathons as well as the swim from Portland to Peaks Island as testaments to her resilience and commitment to showing others they too can fight back against the rare disease.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease results in smaller, weaker muscles. Those who suffer from it experience loss of sensation and muscle contractions, and difficulty walking. Foot deformities such as hammertoes and high arches also are common.
Symptoms of CMT usually begin in the feet and legs, but they may eventually affect your hands and arms and typically appear in adolescence or early adulthood.
Approximately 135,000 nationwide have been diagnosed with CMT, 600 of whom reside in Maine.
To find out more, contact Mary at the CMTA Maine chapter.
