March 10, 2008 - At the end of 2007, the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, in alliance with Scootaround and the Clarence Vincent Foundation, was able to give away two mobility scooters, one to Milda Vizbar, who lives in New York City, and the other to Phillip Kiefer, residing in Colchester, Vermont.

I had the good fortune of meeting both Milda and Phillip and felt privileged that I was able to be present when they received their scooters. I would like to thank all involved who support this mobility program for those who can no longer walk due to the effects of CMT.

Carol Simpson, our first recipient, and now Milda and Phillip, will remain forever in my thoughts, and these unique experiences will stay with me for a very long time.

-- Elizabeth Ouellette

Milda Vizbar
I am an artist with a disability, living in lower Manhattan. I use crutches to walk due to problems with mobility. My primary use for my scooter is to be able to shop for food, which had been impossible since the summer of 2006 after I had surgery for breast cancer.

My best friend and partner died suddenly the day before my surgery. He used to do the food shopping. I was devastated and at a loss as to how I could survive and maintain some degree of independence without him. I truly don't have time for cancer. I have too many art projects in the works!

As you can see, based on my situation, a scooter for me is about survival and will make an enormous impact on my life.

Phillip Kiefer
When I was five years old and had a biopsy performed on my calf, the doctors informed my parents that I would be crippled in my twenties. Furthermore, I was the only one in my extended family with any symptoms. The doctors were not sure what I had.

In my fifties the symptoms accelerated, mainly affecting my feet and legs. After a neurological consult, I was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

An auto accident occurred forty years ago when someone rear-ended me, resulting in whiplash. My frequent falls continued to aggravate that neck injury. Being a caregiver for my wife for two years before she passed away also took a toll on my CMT. All the typical symptoms got worse. This resulted in my exploring cervical spine surgery.

In the midst of all the doctors' visits and tests, I received a call from CMTA telling me I was a finalist for a scooter. I didn't really believe it (I have not won anything in sixty years), but after the second telephone call I came to believe it. I was presented a Pride Go-Go Ultra X scooter on December 21st. What a wonderful Christmas gift!

For five years I have volunteered at the local rehab hospital helping people who are worse off than I am. I had been thinking of quitting because my symptoms were getting worse. Now with my new scooter, I am still able to help, which is very important to me. I am really looking forward to increasing my trips to the Mall after the holidays to practice on my new scooter.

My new scooter is also enabling me to plan for a trip in the spring. I have not been able to dream, let alone plan, an extended vacation for a long time.

Recently I have had to acquire assistance in my home. This has been a big help mentally and physically, but getting out is very important to me. Maintaining the independence to do my own errands is essential.

Thank you CMTA and Scootaround for giving me back my freedom.