Technically, the mission is simple: end Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. But scientifically, it is far more complicated.

The various forms of CMT are caused by genetic mutations that exist throughout the body, meaning a true cure will require correcting those mutations throughout a patient’s entire body. Researchers across the world are currently working to overcome these challenges through gene therapy, molecular medicine, drug development, regenerative medicine, and other emerging technologies. And while the science is incredibly difficult, we firmly believe it is possible — especially considering what humanity has already accomplished in medicine, biotechnology, and genetics over the last few decades alone.

And when researchers make breakthroughs against diseases like CMT, Huntington’s disease, or Duchenne muscular dystrophy, they are not just helping one group of patients. Advances in cures and therapies often ripple outward into countless other fields of medicine — including cancer research and other neurological disorders. Scientific progress builds upon itself. Just as the Wright brothers’ first airplane transformed transportation across the entire world, breakthroughs in one area of medicine can rapidly accelerate progress everywhere else.

Versus CMT was founded by Nate Parrish, a former Army officer, current biology researcher, and father who chose to leave behind a stable military career to dedicate his life to fighting CMT after watching his son struggle with the disease firsthand. Today, the organization is supported by a small but deeply committed team, including Nate’s older brother, Pat, and his close friend and fellow researcher, Moses.

Their time and resources may be limited — but their commitment is not.

At its core, Versus CMT believes that awareness, storytelling, scientific collaboration, community engagement, and strategic research funding can all work together to accelerate progress against CMT and other inherited diseases. In the Army, they teach you that when an enemy has an unfair advantage, you gather every asset available to shift the odds in your favor.

That is exactly what we intend to do.

If you’re ready to join the fight, click here to learn more ways to help. And guess what? Anyone can contribute. It can be as simple as sharing this website with a friend, sending someone a podcast episode, or simply telling another person about CMT. You never know where a single conversation may lead. The person you tell today could one day become a researcher, donor, advocate, or even part of the team that helps cure the disease.