(C) Photo by Flickr: Virginia State Parks
I spent a recent Sunday afternoon at the Central Virginia Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Support Group picnic. That isn’t something I would normally do, much less want to do. However, I joined the online Zoom meetings about a year or so ago. I was thrilled to find a group that meets online, with any in-person meetings held in the central Virginia area. I had wanted to participate in the Northern Virginia, but driving to the meetings was too much for me.
However, for me, attending an event online is far easier than attending one in person. Mostly because I am an introverted nerd. I attempted to attend last year’s picnic event, but the weather was too hot for my wife and service dog. If one of them can’t go, I won’t. So, I was looking forward to the picnic.
I was asked to speak to the group about the benefits of a Service Dog. Since I have had one for many years now, I felt qualified to discuss my benefits. I’ll share these in another post.
My wife, Abby, my service dog, and I gathered a few things and piled into our car to head to the picnic. We stopped at the local Popeyes for chicken and some sides to share with others. The smell of fried chicken filled the car as we headed to the event. I was tempted several times to pull the vehicle over and pig out on the chicken, but I didn’t. I kept going.
We arrived at the picnic, had lunch, and I discussed the benefits of having a service dog. The food was delicious, the company was awesome, and my talk went well. A few others with CMT are considering service dogs. As I age, I have found having a service dog priceless.
What I didn’t expect was the good time we all had discussing our challenges with CMT. It wasn’t a negative time, as facts are facts. We shared what’s wrong, what works, and what doesn’t. Several methods of treatment work quite well to help with mobility and overall feeling good, which can help with a better quality of life.
While I do not like to see other people suffer, the time spent helped make dealing with my physical challenges a bit easier. I guess it’s because I know I am not the only one.
To learn about support groups or other events for CMT patients, you can visit the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association.
