Living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)
WTAE’s The Record with Lily Coleman recently featured Pittsburgh resident Linda Dobosh, who shared her journey living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a rare inherited neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves.
Click to watch Linda’s WTAE interview
Named after the three physicians who first described the condition in 1886, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease causes progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, sensory loss, balance challenges, and difficulty with walking and hand function. Symptoms often begin during adolescence or early adulthood and can include foot drop, hammertoes, frequent tripping and falls, high-stepping gait, and loss of fine motor skills.
For Linda, maintaining mobility and independence is an ongoing journey. She works closely with Scott Emler, CPO, of Union Orthotics & Prosthetics Co., utilizing custom bilateral Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses (KAFOs) to help support her mobility and daily activities.
Watch the full WTAE – The Record interview with Linda.
As awareness of CMT continues to grow, the local community will come together this fall for a special event dedicated to advocacy, education, and support.
A Meaningful Day of Movement – Pittsburgh Walk 4 CMT
đź“… September 5, 2026
đź•š 11:00 a.m.
đź“Ť North Fayette Community Center
580 Donaldson Road
Oakdale, PA 15071
Register today:
Walk for CMT – cmtausa.org
The annual Pittsburgh Walk 4 CMT brings together patients, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and supporters to raise awareness and funds for research, education, and patient resources through the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association.
Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to attend and show their support for those living with CMT.
For more information about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, visit:
- CMTAUSA.ORG – What is CMT?
- AHN.ORG – Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
- CMTA Center of Excellence at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Department of Neurology
Together, every step helps raise awareness and move the CMT community closer to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
