Joe & Sue Paterno
Joe and Sue Paterno have been committed to advancing the efforts of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association’s (CMTA) STAR™ Research Initiative for more than three years.  Last spring in front of 250 guests, the CMTA recognized the Paternos for their lifetime of achievement at the Second Annual CMTA STAR Gala.  Joe and Sue have tirelessly given themselves to the CMTA’s cause, and have helped to educate and raise awareness of CMT through their participation in public service announcements, events and sponsorships. Their financial support of STAR has had an everlasting impact on the patients, families and researchers of CMT. 

Roland Livney
Roland Livney knows firsthand the affect CMT can have on families.  Roland’s twin brother, Chairman of the Board and CMTA President Patrick Livney, was diagnosed with CMT, but the bond between these brothers has only been strengthened by Patrick’s diagnosis.  Despite the fact that Roland does not suffer from CMT, he has been a champion for the CMTA for more than five years, and he has made immeasurable contributions towards finding a cure for the disease.   It is this relentless desire that led him to establish the largest fundraising sponsor of the CMTA – the Livney Foundation.  Credited with contributing more than $1 Million to CMT research, Roland has become a leader in the fight against CMT.  The Livney Foundation has been dedicated to bringing research and innovations to CMT as well as education to the global community. Roland’s drive and determination demonstrates that the bond between brothers truly is inseparable, and so is the will to find a cure.  

Amy de Silva
Amy de Silva was diagnosed with CMT when she was three-years-old.  At 14, she has had multiple surgeries, her hands have clenched shut, and she attends physical therapy twice weekly. But Amy’s story is one of courage through adversity, of triumph, and of the pursuit of an unstoppable dream.  As a youth ambassador for the CMTA, Amy has used her vocal talent to spread a message of hope and encouragement to others.  She has participated in the CMTA’s educational campaigns, events and public service announcements.  Her small stature serves as a reminder of her youth, but her voice has touched audiences around the country and tells of maturity beyond her years. Amy has performed the National Anthem at Boston’s legendary Fenway Park and Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium as a representative of the CMTA.  Through her Facebook page, Amy’s STAR Voyage, she shares deeply personal insights into her life and the challenges of living with CMT. Her goal has always been to help other children and teenagers with CMT, but her personal journey has inspired thousands outside of the CMT community and continues to touch the lives of those who are fortunate enough to meet her.

Ohio State University
In 2009 the CMTA partnered with the Big Ten Network for a CMT awareness campaign and a national educational public service announcement aired on the network throughout the 2009 football season. Prior to the official start of the NCAA season, The Ohio State University football team also joined forces with the CMTA and hosted an “Uplifting Athletes” fundraiser that benefitted the STAR™ Research Initiative.  Each year the Buckeyes select a rare-disease as their official cause. Star quarterback Terrelle Pryor’s father is a CMT patient, and as a result, the relationship between the team and the CMTA was solidified. Led by then-senior Kurt Coleman and Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State Football earned a significant amount of money for CMT research by competing in a video game challenge that pitted the Ohio State offense against the Ohio State defense. While the players competed, fans paid to watch and get autographs.  Thanks to Kurt, Ohio State University and the Big Ten Network, CMT and its debilitating effects have been brought to the attention of thousands.