Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS CMT
CMT is a group of inherited neuropathies made up of several subtypes that all cause a similar outcome, each caused by different genetic mutations that can either be passed down from a parent or arise spontaneously. About 1 in 2,500 people are born with CMT, and although that is considered somewhat rare, it is the most common neuropathy, causing several issues in the nervous system that vary in intensity. Symptoms are typically seen in the hands, feet, arms, and legs.
Many patients experience difficulty walking and performing tasks with their hands, while some eventually lose the ability to do either independently. In addition to its effects on the peripheral nerves, ongoing research is also investigating how the disease may impact other organs and systems throughout the body.
WHAT CAUSES CMT
CMT is caused by genetic mutations that affect the peripheral nerves and the way they function. Depending on the subtype, these mutations can damage the nerve fibers themselves or the protective myelin sheath surrounding them.
As one can imagine, this causes slow and weak nerve conduction, greatly affecting a person’s quality of life.
IS THERE A CURE FOR CMT
At this time, there is no cure or even therapy for CMT, other than movement and stretching. However, researchers around the world are actively working on therapies involving gene therapy, drug development, rehabilitation strategies, and other emerging technologies that aim to slow, stop, or potentially reverse aspects of the disease in the future.
However, CMT is often overlooked due to its relative rarity, slow progression, and the fact that it receives far less public attention than more immediately life-threatening diseases.
Can CMT be passed down unknowingly?
Yes. A parent with CMT may live their entire life with mild symptoms and never receive a diagnosis, unknowingly passing the mutation on to their children, who may develop a more severe form of the disease.
Some cases can even arise spontaneously through what is known as a “de novo” mutation. This means the genetic mutation occurred randomly during early development rather than being passed down genetically.
What is Versus CMT?
Versus CMT is a nonprofit organization and media platform dedicated to raising awareness for Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, supporting research efforts, and helping accelerate the development of meaningful therapies and permanent cures.
Founded by former U.S. Army officer and current biology researcher Nate Parrish following his son’s diagnosis with CMT1A, Versus CMT combines science, storytelling, outreach, and authentic conversation to bring together patients, families, researchers, clinicians, and supporters around one shared mission:
Ending CMT.
Why did Nate start Versus CMT?
Nate founded Versus CMT after his son was diagnosed with CMT1A. Rather than simply advocating from the sidelines, he chose to pursue biology research directly and build a platform focused on accelerating awareness, conversation, and scientific progress surrounding inherited neuropathies.
Why does the podcast discuss topics outside of CMT?
The Nate Versus CMT Podcast is built around authentic conversations and human connection. While CMT and science remain central to the mission, the podcast also explores health, martial arts, military life, psychology, resilience, psychedelic therapies, and a variety of other topics. The goal is to create conversations people genuinely enjoy engaging with while continuing to spread awareness of the disease.
As a former competitor in Jiu-Jitsu, Nate is well aware that some things just aren’t a “spectator’s sport,” and you often need to gain attention in other ways.
Is Versus CMT affiliated with a university or research institution?
No. Versus CMT is an independent nonprofit organization. Although Nate and Moses currently work in academic research, the organization itself is not owned, operated, or officially affiliated with any university, laboratory, or company.
Also, Versus CMT takes the allocation of donated funds extremely seriously. Research support and future funding decisions will be approached with transparency, responsibility, and a long-term strategic focus on accelerating meaningful therapies and permanent cures for CMT.
Donations will never be distributed based on personal favoritism or improper influence.
Where do my donations go?
All donations made to Versus CMT will go directly toward advancing research related to Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. The long-term goal of the foundation is to help accelerate meaningful therapies and ultimately permanent cures through direct support of scientific research efforts.
Versus CMT takes the allocation of donated funds extremely seriously. Research support and future funding decisions will be approached with transparency, responsibility, and a long-term strategic focus on accelerating meaningful therapies and permanent cures for CMT.
Donations will never be distributed based on personal favoritism or improper influence.
Additionally, the Nate Versus CMT Podcast and future outreach initiatives are intended to sustain themselves through podcast revenue, sponsorships, and other media-related funding sources rather than relying on charitable donations.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Versus CMT is currently in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Until that process is finalized, donations may not currently be tax-deductible. Once the status is official, then yes! Absolutely.