• Skip to main content
We're currently closed.Open Tomorrow 10am - 6pm
  • Webcams
  • New at CMA
    • Dino Rescue
    • Dolphintopia
  • About CMA
    • CMA 50th Anniversary
    • What We Do
    • Get Involved
    • CMA Research Institute
    • Educational Resources
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Help CMA
    • Because of You Fundraiser
    • Fundraising Merchandise
    • Protect the Nest Plaques
    • Help Manatees
    • Adopt an Animal
    • Donate Boat or Vehicle
    • Save a Seat
    • Volunteer
    • Donations
  • News
    • Press
    • Blog Updates
    • Rescue Map
We're currently closed.Open Tomorrow 10am - 6pm
Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

  • Visit
    • Admissions
    • Visit Info
    • Group Visits
    • Hotel Partners
    • Guest Safety Info
    • FAQs
    • Gift Shop
  • Experience
    • Meet Rescued Animals
    • Experiences & Exhibits
    • Boat Rides & Guided Tours
    • Dino Rescue
    • Dolphintopia
    • Upcoming Events
    • Plan an Event
    • Rescue Center
  • Learn
    • Educational Programs
    • Virtual Programs
    • Off-Site Programs
    • Educational Summer Programs
    • Boat Rides & Guided Tours
    • Kids Zone
  • Inspiration
    • Remembering Winter
    • Inspirational Stories
    • CMA Inspires Program
  • Shop
    • Order CMA 2023 Calendar
    • New Featured Items
    • Marine Life Rescue Project
    • Winter the Dolphin Items
  • Become a Member
  • Get Tickets
Blog & News

Bernadette Scarduzio

Inspiration Updated May 6, 2020 Posted November 4, 2016

Inspirational kids meeting dolphin

Bernadette Scarduzio was born with the most common inherited disease that no one has ever heard of: Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) syndrome. CMT is the number one hereditary neuropathy in the world, affecting 1 in 2,500 people or nearly 2.6 million worldwide. It is a degenerative nerve and muscle disorder which leads the body to deteriorate over time. Sometimes the progression is slow. Sometimes it is rapid. In some cases, it is fatal. There is no cure. It is passed from parent to child and, too often, it is perceived as an embarrassing family secret, as it was in Bernadette’s family.

Filmmaker Josh Taub documents the physical decline of a young woman in her prime. During the course of the film, Bernadette goes from engaging in sports to depending on a scooter and assistance with the daily necessities of life. When her father, who shared the disease, suddenly passes away, Bernadette resolves to raise herself from suffering in obscurity to become ‘the face’ of CMT.

Bernadette’s indomitable spirit charges the film and demonstrates that the right attitude can overcome the most difficult obstacles. – See more at: bernadettecmtmovie.com


Winter’s story has inspired millions of people all over the world! Read more inspirational stories.

Previous Post: Stephanie Evans
Next Post: Caroline Kole
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

Sign up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe

Shop • Careers & Internships • Contact


Get Involved

Volunteer • Donate • Give Supplies • Boat & Vehicle Donations


© 2023 Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Privacy Policy • Terms & Conditions • Accessibility

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

  • Webcams
  • Membership
  • Get Tickets
  • My Day
  • Experience
  • Visit
  • Experience
  • Learn
  • Inspiration
  • Dino Rescue
  • Live Webcams
  • About CMA
  • Blog & News
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Get Tickets