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8 | InTouch AUGUST 2022 Anna’s story MY CHILDREN LOST ONE PARENT TO PIKE, BUT I WON’T LET IT TAKE ME You may recognise Anna Osborne from television for her work on the inquiry into the Pike River mine disaster. But many will not recognise that Anna suffers from Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT). She shares her story with In Touch . FEATURE Anna Osborne, 56, was born with typical symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT); club feet (or so they thought) and hammer toes. But it wasn’t until her 40s that she was officially diagnosed with the condition. After she started walking funny (like her dad who also had club feet), spraining ankles and falling, Anna underwent many surgeries to correct her terrible gait and curled up toes. “I had my first operation at 4 years old and am still having operations to this day,” Anna says. Above: Anna at home on the West Coast. Right: Anna and Sonya have an unbreakable bond.