The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) was founded in 1983 to generate the resources to find a cure for CMT, a genetic neurological disorder that affects some 2.8 million people of all races and ethnic groups worldwide. The disease kills the long nerves to the feet and hands. As the nerves to the extremities weaken and die, the muscles around them atrophy and patients lose normal use of their feet, legs, hands and arms. In fulfillment of its mission, the CMTA funds a multifaceted research program called the Strategy to Accelerate Research, which brings together the world's leading CMT researchers to collaborate with the National Institutes of Health, universities, and pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research service companies in partnerships that are driving progress toward treatments and cures for CMT. While the CMTA searches for a cure, it also creates awareness about this orphan disease and works to improve the quality of life of all those affected by it.