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 hereditary peripheral neuropathy, causing several issues in the nervous system that vary in intensity. Symptoms are especially 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?
Each subtype of CMT is caused by various genetic mutations. 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 any subtype of CMT, other than movement and stretching. However, researchers around the world are actively working on 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.
Can CMT be passed down unknowingly?
Yes. A person with CMT may live well into adulthood with only mild symptoms and never receive a diagnosis. As a result, they may unknowingly pass the genetic variant associated with CMT on to their children, who may experience more significant symptoms.
Some cases can even arise spontaneously through what is known as a “de novo” mutation. This means the genetic mutation occurred randomly after conception rather than being passed down genetically.
What is Nate Versus CMT?
At its core, Nate Versus CMT is my way of attacking CMT1A from every possible angle.
In these early stages of the mission, my primary focus is traveling to meet and film with leading CMT researchers, patients, nonprofit leaders, and others working to move the field forward. By bringing their work, stories, challenges, and ideas to a wider audience, I aim to bring greater visibility, connection, and momentum to the CMT community as a whole.
Beyond telling these stories, I’m committed to doing everything within my power to support the people working toward better treatments—and, ultimately, a cure.
What's the deal with you fighting this disease?
My son was diagnosed with CMT1A. Rather than simply advocating from the sidelines, I 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, I’m is well aware that some things just aren’t a “spectator’s sport,” and you often need to gain attention in other ways.
Are you affiliated with a university or research institution?
No. I represent myself and only myself. In order to run this full time, I no longer work directly for any university or lab.
Moses, my former lab partner and current Versus CMT board member, currently works in academic research, but our nonprofit is in no way linked to his university and will never donate funds in a biased manner.
We take 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, primarily subtype 1A. 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.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. My nonprofit, Versus CMT, is an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. If you’re trying to lower that tax bracket, feel free to help some people improve their lives forever.