A Documentary That Puts a Human Face on CMT
Bernadette is the first full-length documentary film about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a progressive hereditary nerve and muscle disorder and the most common inherited neuropathy in the world, affecting an estimated 1 in 2,500 people, or nearly 2.6 million individuals worldwide. Sponsored by the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation (HNF) and produced by Run Amuck Productions, LLC, the film was released in 2013 and brought CMT into the public conversation in a way that medical literature alone never could.
For patients, families, and anyone touched by CMT, Bernadette is more than a film. It is a mirror, a companion, and a reminder that no one faces this disease alone. Learn more about living with CMT and find support through our patient resources.
Bernadette Scarduzio: Advocate, HNF Team Member, and the Heart of the Film
The documentary follows Bernadette Scarduzio, a young woman living with CMT, across four years of her life. The film documents her journey through physical challenges and real triumphs, from staying active in sports to navigating daily life with the help of mobility devices and other supports as the disease progressed. Her story is told with honesty and warmth, never shying away from the hard realities while always keeping her full humanity at the center.
Bernadette is not only the subject of the film. She is a staff member at HNF and a passionate, well-known advocate in the CMT community. Her willingness to share her life openly has helped countless patients feel seen, and has helped families understand what a CMT diagnosis can mean in practice.
“Awareness for this disease is key in the ongoing search for a cure, and Bernadette is certainly a big step forward in this fight.”
The Premiere: A Night That Mattered
On September 17, 2013, Bernadette had its world premiere at ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood, California. Roughly 200 people attended, including CMT patients who had traveled from across the country. After the screening, director Josh Taub, Bernadette Scarduzio, HNF founder Allison Moore, and Dr. Glenn Pfeffer of Cedars-Sinai joined a panel discussion to answer questions from the audience about CMT and the film.
The evening was a reminder of what happens when a community comes together around a shared story. Many in the audience had never seen their own experience reflected on screen before.
Why Awareness Films Like This Matter
CMT is a disease that is frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or simply unknown to many healthcare providers and members of the public. Films like Bernadette create moments of recognition for patients who may have spent years searching for answers, and they open doors to conversations between patients and their families, doctors, and communities.
Raising awareness is also directly connected to advancing research. The more people who understand CMT, the stronger the case for investment in finding treatments and, ultimately, a cure. You can support that mission by joining the GRIN Registry, HNF’s natural history and research registry that connects CMT patients with scientists working toward a cure.
Watch or Share the Film
We invite you to watch Bernadette, share it with someone who loves you, or bring it to your community. The film is available to watch at . Sharing the film is one of the most meaningful things you can do to help spread awareness about CMT.
If you are a patient or family member looking for more ways to connect, explore our patient resources and learn more about living with CMT.
What is the documentary Bernadette about?
Bernadette is the first feature-length documentary about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a progressive hereditary nerve and muscle disorder that affects nearly 2.6 million people worldwide. The film follows Bernadette Scarduzio, an HNF staff member and CMT advocate, over four years as she navigates the physical realities and daily life of living with CMT. Sponsored by the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation and produced by Run Amuck Productions, LLC, the film was released in 2013 and premiered in Hollywood to an audience of roughly 200, including CMT patients from across the country.
Where can I watch Bernadette?
Can I host a screening of the documentary for my community or support group?
Hosting a community screening of Bernadette is one of the most effective ways to raise CMT awareness in your area. Whether you are a patient advocacy group, a medical practice, a school, or a faith community, a screening can spark meaningful conversations. For information on hosting a screening, please contact us at for guidance on rights and logistics.
How does this film help advance CMT awareness and research?
Films like Bernadette do something that medical literature alone cannot: they put a human face on a disease that is often invisible or misunderstood. When more people recognize CMT, patients are more likely to be diagnosed accurately and sooner. Broader public awareness also helps build the case for research funding. You can take another direct step by joining the GRIN Registry, which connects CMT patients with scientists working toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Who is Bernadette Scarduzio?
Bernadette Scarduzio is a staff member at the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation (HNF) and a well-known advocate in the CMT community. She is the subject of the documentary, which documented four years of her life living with CMT. Her openness about the physical and emotional realities of the disease has made her a powerful voice for patients and families seeking understanding and connection. You can explore more community stories and resources on our living with CMT pages.