Honoring Jim Lea: The CMTA Legacy Society Gets a New Name
The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) met Jim for the first time at a CMTA Seattle Branch meeting in 2012. At 92 years young, Jim was looking for community and a sense of belonging, and that's exactly what he found. Jim quickly became engaged in his local Seattle CMT community and became a close friend of not just the CMTA's but especially a friend of the Seattle community.
James Lea was a pioneer in outdoor camping gear, and he was a strong spirit who left an indelible mark on the world through his groundbreaking work with Cascade Designs and the invention of the Therm-a-Rest camping mattress. Born in Tacoma, Washington, on October 22, 1920, Jim's journey embodies a spirit of determination that has touched countless lives.
Despite his sprightly demeanor and boundless energy, Jim's life was shaped by the challenges of CMT. Just as his father, grandfather, and siblings who also had CMT had done, he navigated life with the aid of canes. Jim first noticed CMT symptoms in his thirties, but it wasn't until his late fifties that neurologists at the University of Washington diagnosed him.
Jim's response to his diagnosis reflected his pragmatic approach to life. "Truthfully, I just try to ignore it, work around my difficulties, go ahead with my day, and do the best that I can every day," he once shared. This attitude of resilience and determination perfectly characterizes his journey.
Upon discovering the CMTA's Seattle Branch, Jim was enamored with how community members developed strategies for living with CMT. He was appreciative of the CMTA's community-led and community-driven commitment to provide critically needed resources and services for all who have CMT so that everybody in the community can live as full of a life as possible, just as he had always strived to do.
"Jim embodied the essence of resilience and the power of community. Despite the challenges of CMT, Jim's determination and zest for life shone brightly, inspiring all who had the privilege of knowing him," says Jeana Sweeney, CMTA Chief Engagement and Gift Officer. "His deep appreciation for the strength found in community and his commitment to living life to its fullest serve as lasting reminders of his remarkable legacy."
In recognition of Jim's enduring legacy and his commitment to community, the CMTA is proud to announce the establishment of the CMTA Legacy Society, named in his honor. The James Lea Legacy Society aims to recognize individuals who, like Jim, have demonstrated exceptional dedication to community, to raising awareness, to accelerating research, and to support for those living with CMT.
As the first member of the CMTA Legacy Society, Jim's impact through his legacy gift will be felt for generations to come. His legacy serves as a beacon of hope and of resilience, reminding us of the power of community and compassion in the face of adversity.
The James Lea Legacy Society stands as a testament to the profound impact that one individual can have on the world. May his story inspire others to join in the fight against CMT and to strive for a future where every individual living with CMT can live a life of hope and of fulfillment until CMT is a thing of the past.
The James Lea Legacy Society is a select group of individuals who have chosen to leave a lasting impact on the fight against CMT by allocating a portion of their estate to the CMTA. The decision to include the CMTA in your planned giving will be instrumental in providing sustained support for the development of new treatments for CMT, for improving the quality of life for people with CMT, and, ultimately, for finding a cure.
Members of the James Lea Legacy Society receive:
- Exclusive invitations to CMTA events, fostering community and networking within the CMTA community
- Complimentary print copy of the CMTA Report that provides updates on CMT research advancements and stories of hope
- With permission, public acknowledgment for their generosity and commitment, inspiring others to join the fight against CMT
To become a James Lea Legacy Society member, go to www.cmtausa.org/letterofintent and complete the letter of intent and email it to Jeana Sweeney at [email protected]. If you have questions or would like to discuss your legacy giving options, call Jeana at 814-269-1319.