Isabelle Tate, known for her role in ‘9-1-1: Nashville,’ passed away on Oct. 19. She was 23. Tate’s talent agency, The McCray Agency, revealed that she died of ‘a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease,’ in an Instagram story shared on Oct. 23.
Who was Isabelle Tate?
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Isabelle grew up in the Franklin community. She graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. She wanted to change the world, as per her obituary. Isabelle Tate loved volunteering and using her time to help animals. Her idea of a fun outing was ‘visiting an animal shelter and doling out lots of love.’ She secured her first-ever acting role in 9-1-1: Nashville before her death.“Isabelle was full of fire, a fighter, never once making excuses for the fact that she might have a disability relative to others. She was also quite musically inclined, often spending hours writing and recording songs with friends and even publishing a few. What she loved the most, though, was spending time with family and friends, always the life of the party. Her sister was her best friend, and her mom was her shining beacon of light,” her obituary read. She is survived by her mother, Katerina Kazakos Tate; stepfather, Vishnu Jayamohan; father, John Daniel Tate; and sister, Daniella Tate.
What was Isabelle Tate’s rare health condition?
“Isabelle ‘Izzy’ Tate had a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. She passed away peacefully on the 19th of October,” her talent agency wrote in a social media post.Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of genetic conditions that damage the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. It is the most common inherited neuropathy. Neuropathy is a nerve condition that causes pain, swelling, or other symptoms.Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is rare, and it affects one in 2500 people, according to studies. Also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN) or peroneal muscular atrophy (PMA), this disease affects the peripheral nerves, which are found outside the main central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), according to the NHS. These nerves control the muscles and relay sensory information, such as the sense of touch, from the limbs to the brain.
Symptoms of CMT
CMT affects the sensory and motor nerves in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. Sensory nerves are responsible for sending messages to the brain about sensations such as touch, temperature, pain, or pressure. The motor nerves control the movements. So, when these two nerves fail or malfunction, it causes the following symptoms, as per NIH.
- Weakness or paralysis in the lower part of the leg or foot, making it hard to lift the foot (foot drop)
- A high-stepping walking pattern with frequent tripping or falling
- Balance problems
- Foot deformities, like high arches and curled toes (hammertoes)
- Lower legs with an ‘inverted champagne bottle’ shape due to the loss of muscle bulk
- Trouble sensing heat, cold, and touch
- Possible hand weakness and atrophy, causing difficulty with small, precise movements
- Decreased ability to sense vibrations or know body position (proprioception)
- Curved spine (scoliosis)
- A hip joint out of its normal position (hip displacement)
- A chronic shortening of muscles or tendons around joints (contractures)
- Muscle cramps
- Nerve pain
CMT is not life threatening. Many people live with the condition, and have the same life expectancy as a person without it. However, this disease can affect everyday activities, and as it is a progressive condition, it can also have an emotional impact.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment.