Hey there! Im Rivka!

May 4th I’ll be participating in the Great Saunter (https://shorewalkers.org/great-saunter) -  an annual event organized by Shorewalkers, consisting of a 32-mile urban hike, the perimeter of Manhattan to help find a cure for Charcot Marie Tooth.

I was born with a progressive disease called Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) Type 1B. This affects my peripheral nerves causing weaker leg muscles and a poor balance. While it comes with its own set of difficulties such as fatigue, reduced endurance, and even pain, I love to walk and make sure to get outside everyday.

Last summer marked a significant milestone when I walked 17 miles from the top of Manhattan to the bottom, the longest distance I had attempted in 2023. Building on that progress, I recently completed a 20-mile walk from Coney Island to Greenpoint in Brooklyn, a journey that took me 7 and a half hours. Each step in these walks felt like a victory, pushing me to become more confident and capable with each outing.

Now, I'm gearing up for my next big adventure: The Great Saunter on May 4th. The 32-mile trek around the perimeter of Manhattan is no small feat. Walking such a distance can be particularly challenging for someone with CMT. I’m ready to face the challenge head-on and proceed to push the boundaries of what my limitations are.

Part of my motivation for taking on this journey is to raise awareness for CMT Type 1B. It's a condition that affects 1 in 2,500 people worldwide, and by undertaking this walk, I hope to shed light on the challenges we face and inspire others to join the fight.

Please come support and help me make a difference. Your contribution will help continue the search in finding a cure for Charcot Marie Tooth.