We are a diverse group of folks from newly diagnosed to those dealing with CMT all their lives. We learn from each other and our frequent guest speakers about CMT and ways to cope with it. Over 300 folks with CMT have been identified in our area. When new folks join us it is always exciting! We look forward to hearing from you!
The Tampa Bay Area, FL CMTA Branch is for those who have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and their loved ones. We welcome you to join this vibrant group of active and caring individuals in your area to share resources, ideas, CMT-related information, and personal experiences and to, ultimately, build life-long friendships and support. Meetings will focus on CMT education, awareness, research updates, fundraising initiatives, advocacy, and current events and will include guest speakers. We love newcomers and hope you will join us at our next meeting!
Ed was born and raised on the Jersey Shore and moved to sunny Florida in 1972. He has been married to his lovely wife Vicki for 40 years and has one son, Bryan, age 38. Ed found out he had CMT at an early age because both his mother and uncle had already been diagnosed with it. His sister, niece and son also have it. Ed worked as a technical product manager for SGS, the world's largest independent inspection, testing, verification and certification company, for 40 plus years and is currenlty retired. Ed believes is Adaptation - a word he has become very familiar with:. "As I grow older and my CMT progresses, I have realized that if I want to continue the life I enjoy I must be able to adapt to my ever changing condition. Being in a wheelchair and depending on others, I could very easily be in a constant state of depression. However, I view each day as a new challenge. What do I want and how can I do it. I have found ways to adapt, whether it be on the dance floor, at the bowling alley, or riding my motorcycle. My attitude has been positive and my bucket list is getting shorter. CMT = Courage, Motivation & Tenacity. I believe you have to have the courage, motivation and tenacity to keep moving forward and not let the challenges in life, including those of CMT, stop you from your passion."
Art Dryce was born and raised on Long Island until moving to Florida in 1978 to attend college at the University of South Florida. At USF, he met his wife, Cindi, and earned his bachelor’s degree in mass communications. He and his wife settled in Pinellas County, where they raised their two children. Art owned Emmy Award winning video production company VideoArt Productions, based in the Tampa Bay Area for 40 years. Art’s connection to CMT is through his wife, who was diagnosed with Type 2E at the age of 58. Since her diagnosis, they have poured attention and care into adapting and supporting Cindi with the disease. This has led Art to be involved with the CMT community to offer support and bring awareness to others.
Rachel Gilmore was born and raised in the Tampa Bay Area. She would attend college at the University of South Florida and at Florida Gulf Coast University. At USF, she would go on to acquire her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, while at FGCU, she would obtain her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. After obtaining her master’s degree, she worked for Vocational Rehabilitation in Florida, helping individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment. Currently, she is working as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at the University of South Florida’s Counseling Center, and owns her own therapy practice, Ready for Anything Counseling Services. She is married and has a young son who she enjoyed spending her free time with. Rachel’s mother has CMT, which has led Rachel to be conscientious and attentive to her mother’s access to resources both related to the physical and mental impacts of the disease.
