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WHEREAS, Charcot-Marie-Tooth is a little known genetic, neurological condition that causes patients to lose normal use of their legs, feet, hands and arms; and,
WHEREAS , Charcot-Marie-Tooth, commonly known as CMT, is hereditary, passed down from generation to generation and is slowly progressive, causing deterioration of peripheral nerves which control sensory information and muscle function to the lower extremities and hands and arms ; and,
WHEREAS, CMT is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood and has no cure, although physical therapy, occupational therapy and moderate physical activity are beneficial; and,
WHEREAS, The CMT Association ,established in 1983, works in collaboration with a Medical Advisory Board consisting of over 50 clinical and research medical professionals in neurology, genetics, orthopedic surgery, physiatry, physical therapy and podiatry, serving more than 15,000 patients and families nationally; and,
WHEREAS, the CMTA has teamed with the John P. Murtha Neuroscience and Pain Institute to conduct a comprehensive CMT Prevalence Study in eight southwestern Pennsylvania counties to create a database that contains a clinical, genetic and family history of patients and whose ultimate goal is to raise general awareness of the disease and to launch a regional advertising campaign.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh recognizes the recent Charcot-Marie-Tooth Patient-Family Conference held in Pittsburgh in June 2007, and its ongoing work to provide patient support, public education and awareness, promotion of research and ultimately, the treatment and cure of CMT; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare the week of June 18, 2007, to be CMT AWARENESS WEEK in the City of Pittsburgh.