From Diagnosis to Purpose: My Journey Living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and Turning Adversity Into Impact C.M. Harris

When most people hear about Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT), they think of a complicated medical term or a headline about a celebrity diagnosis. But for me, it’s personal. It’s the condition I live with every day—a challenge that has shaped my strength, purpose, and passion for helping others feel seen and valued.

As a children’s author, disability advocate, and founder of Purple Diamond Press, my mission has always been to create stories that inspire kindness, diversity, and inclusion. My journey with CMT has not only fueled that mission—it’s given it meaning.

Living With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: The Reality Behind the Diagnosis

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease is a rare neuromuscular disorder that affects the peripheral nerves, causing progressive muscle weakness, balance difficulties, and mobility challenges. While the disease impacts my physical abilities, it has also strengthened my empathy, perspective, and purpose.

I was diagnosed with type 3 of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease at the age of 7 after moving to Los Angeles, CA, from Tulsa, OK. I had a pretty normal childhood; running, riding my bike, Disneyland, family vacations, school friends, and other great adventures. After graduating from college with my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and minor, I faced discrimination in the workforce because of my wheelchair. Despite my qualifications and strong portfolio, interviewers often overlooked me after realizing I had a disability. That period was heartbreaking—but it was also transformative. I faced many adverse actions and condescending responses.

Instead of waiting for an opportunity, I decided to create my own.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

That decision gave birth to Purple Diamond Press Inc., a publishing company dedicated to producing children’s books that celebrate acceptance, kindness, and inclusion.

I searched for a job for 3 years! Can you believe that? I decided that if no one was going to give me a job, I would create my own. And I did just that!

My bestselling book, What If We Were All The Same!, became a powerful message of unity—teaching children to embrace differences rather than fear them. The book caught the attention of ABC7 News, the BBC, and even the San Francisco 49ers, who purchased over 2,000 copies to donate to Oakland schools. Seeing my story reach classrooms across the country reminded me why representation matters—especially for children growing up with disabilities or feeling “different.”

Since then, I’ve written and published numerous titles, including What If We Were All Friends!, Seen, and My Teacher Says, all focusing on empathy, friendship, and character development through stories that resonate deeply with young readers.

Over 30,000 copies have been purchased worldwide

Partnering With CMT Organizations to Amplify Awareness

One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been partnering with incredible organizations that share my passion for awareness and advocacy.

I am proud to partner with the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Research Foundation (CMTRF) and the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation (CMT HNF)—two organizations at the forefront of research, education, and community support for individuals and families affected by CMT.

Together, we aim to raise awareness through storytelling, using children’s literature as a bridge to understanding, empathy, and hope. By sharing my personal story and amplifying the mission of these organizations, I hope to inspire others living with CMT to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams—no matter the obstacles.

These partnerships allow me to connect with others in the CMT community, speak about inclusion in schools and events, and highlight the importance of continued research for treatments and, one day, a cure.

Redefining Disability and Success

Living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease hasn’t been easy by any means. There are days when fatigue and pain test my limits. But I’ve learned that success isn’t defined by what you can’t do—it’s shaped by what you create despite the challenges.

My wheelchair doesn’t hold me back—it empowers me to show others what’s possible. Through my writing, speaking engagements, and nonprofit work with Charity’s Readers for Tomorrow, I’m proving that disability does not mean inability—it means determination, courage, and innovation.

In 2022, after isolating for two years, I got COVID and almost lost my life. In 2025, I had complications from surgery and hemorrhaged 4 weeks later, almost losing my life... again. Life is precious and has changed drastically since 2020, but as long as I'm still able, my mission will continue.

Every school visit, book, and classroom conversation is a chance to change the narrative for children who may not see themselves represented in the pages they read.

Building a Legacy of Inclusion

Today, my mission continues through every story I write and every partnership I build. I want my readers—especially children with disabilities—to know that they are not alone, that their voices matter, and that they too can turn their challenges into purpose.

Through my partnerships with CMTRF, HNF, and Purple Diamond Press, I’m committed to creating a world where empathy leads the way, inclusion is the norm, and kindness becomes a daily practice.

Because What If We Were All The Same? isn’t just the title of my first book—it’s the question that sparked a movement.

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💜 About the Author - Who is C.M. Harris?

C.M. Harris is a bestselling children’s author, disability advocate, and founder of Purple Diamond Press, a publishing company creating books that inspire kindness, diversity, and inclusion. ABC7 News, the BBC, and the San Francisco 49ers have recognized her work. She proudly partners with the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Research Foundation (CMTRF) and the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation (HNF) to raise awareness for neuromuscular disabilities and promote representation through storytelling.

Learn more at www.CMHarrisBooks.com and www.PurpleDiamondPress.com

I am always open to partnerships and gladly welcome sponsors!

Connect with me at Books@Cmharrisbooks.com & follow me on Instagram and Facebook @CMHarrisBooks

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