Issue date: July 1, 2008
New Discovery Nudges Nerve Stem Cells To Mature [Research Reports]

In a serendipitous turn of events, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center literally stumbled upon a valuable discovery during another experiment—creating a small molecule that stimulates nerve stem cells to begin maturing into nerve cells.
Why is this discovery important to people with CMT? This finding might someday allow a person's own nerve stem cells to be grown outside the body, stimulated into maturity, and then re-implanted as working nerve cells to treat various diseases, the researchers said.

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Issue date: June 25, 2008
To Preserve Muscle Mass, Eat More Fruits and Veggies [Research Reports]

We all know that fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that are key to good health. But here’s one more reason to stock up on fruits and vegetables: These healthy foods actually help preserve muscle mass in older adults, which is crucial for people suffering CMT.

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Issue date: June 18, 2008
New Pen Makes Handwriting Comfortable Again for CMT Sufferers [Product/Serv. Reviews]

Recently on our forums, an HNF member wrote, seeking help for his struggle with his handwriting due to neuropathy-related weakness:  “My handwriting has become very slow. My thumb muscles are weak and I am having difficulty writing. Are there any products out there to improve my writing?”

In our search, we found the incredible PenAgain which makes ergonomically designed pens and pencils with rubber gripping forked finger indentation for comfort. In addition to helping reduce stress on fingers, the writing utensils also help with writers’ cramp by supporting the fingers comfortably.

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Issue date: June 12, 2008
Spinning for the Cure: Terri Eickel, HNF Executive Director [Personal Profiles]
This week, we also spoke with Terri Eickel, HNF Executive Director, about her tireless efforts on behalf of people who have CMT and her upcoming participation in the HNF Spin-a-Thon, which is raising money for research aimed at finding a cure for this debilitating disease.  More...

Issue date: June 10, 2008
Spinning for the Cure: Mary London, HNF Membership Director [Personal Profiles]
Recently, we spoke with Mary London, Office Manager/Membership Director for HNF. Many of you have been in touch with her before; here you can learn more about her inspiring work at HNF and why participating/fundraising for the upcoming Spin-a-Thon fundraiser means so much to her.  More...

Issue date: June 5, 2008
A New Bill Fights Discrimination Against Hereditary Diseases [In the Media]
Good news for people with CMT. After almost 10 years in Congress, the Senate passed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act on April 24. If it passes in the House, as expected, it will finally make it illegal for employers or health insurance companies to discriminate against people who undergo genetic testing.  More...

Issue date: May 28, 2008
Andrew Collins, a Florida Teen Living with CMT, Tells the Story of how the Disease Impacts His Life [Personal Profiles]
Recently, we spoke with teenager Andrew Collins, a 14-year-old living with CMT in Longwood, Florida. By telling his story (in his own voice), Andrew felt that his situation might strike a chord with other teens experiencing similar feelings and situations.  More...

Issue date: May 20, 2008
HNF Member Jeanette Bauknecht to "Spin for the Cure" in Michigan! [Personal Profiles]
This week, we are thirlled to profile Jeanette Marie Bauknecht, a 38-year-old mother of four who lives in Grand Marais, MI.  Bauknecht is gearing up to participate in HNF’s upcoming HNF/IronWill Spin-a-thon from her home gym. The main event will be held on Saturday, June 14th at Fuel Fitness Gym in Tenafly, NJ and all proceeds will go to fund research to find a cure for CMT.  We hope Bauknecht’s story will inspire you, too, and prompt you support our cause in any way you can!   More...