Chris Ouellette, Founder – The Cycle 4 CMT

ENGAGING THE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST TO CMT AWARENESS THROUGH FUNDRAISING AND RESEARCH

Cycle 4 CMT is a cycling/walking event to raise money to find a cure for individuals with CMT

CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth) is a progressive neurological disease, resulting in muscle atrophy and paralysis. Due to peripheral nerve damage, people with CMT are unable to effectively use the hands, arms, feet, and legs. CMT can be debilitating and severely disabling.

To date, there is no cure.

CMT affects my 29-year old nephew, Yohan Bouchard. Diagnosed with CMT at 7 years old, Yohan’s CMT has progressed to the point where he can no longer participate in the activities we so enjoyed together when he was young. CMT has taken these experiences from us.   

Born and raised in Vermont, I am an active cyclist, skier, and hiker. I am grateful to share these experiences with my children, extended family, and friends. Yet, I am saddened to no longer enjoy outdoor activities with Yohan, as CMT has forever changed our lives. Yohan tires easily and has difficulty managing the pain when walking. Due to foot deformities, he cannot wear a cycling shoe, ski boot, hiking shoe, etc. He’s undergone many foot surgeries, with many more on the horizon.

In 2014 I had a vision and drive – I wanted to provide individuals with CMT the opportunity to experience activities that define Vermonters and our culture. The simple pleasures I enjoy so freely may not be possible for those with CMT due to the significant pain in their feet, legs, arms, and hands; they may wear leg braces, be confined to wheelchairs, have difficulty riding a bike due to loss of balance and sensation. Nevertheless, we have the power to change the inevitable by funding CMTA research for a cure.

I realized that an amazing opportunity existed – connect the passion and energy that Vermonters possess for outdoor activity to a day of fundraising so individuals with CMT may one day, in the near future, enjoy these simple pleasures I once took for granted. The only way to accomplish this vision is through fundraising in support of research to stop the progression and prevent CMT in the future. As a result, Cycle 4 CMT was born in the summer of 2014.

From 2014 to 2021, partnering with the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA), we successfully raised over $1,700,000!  Donations will continue to be used to fund our goal and mission . . . support the development of new drugs to treat CMT, to improve the quality of life for those with CMT and ultimately, to find a cure!

This year our goal is to raise $400,000 for CMTA treatment-focused research! In 2022, we will hold an in-person event on Sunday, August 28, 2022 as well as a virtual event for all who’d like to be part of our team, raising money for CMTA research.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT; CMTA Special Event Manager,

Jeana Sweeney

Email: jeana@cmtausa.org

Cell: 814-421-3387