Thank you for visiting my fundraising page and supporting my goals of raising money for Rett Syndrome research and completing a half marathon! If you’ve come to my page, you either know me personally, or know Charlie and Livy, the twins who inspired me to join the GP2C Team. My goal in running with GP2C is to raise awareness about Rett Syndrome and help in the efforts of finding a cure. I hope you get to know me, and the Foster family, through my race journey. I can’t wait for you to follow along!

All About Calley

I have been married to Brian for 9 years and we have a 5-year-old son, named Luke. I enjoy cooking while listening to music or a podcast, taking Luke to the Cook’s Museum and the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, and now….running! I have never completed a half marathon before, and actually, I’ve never consistently ran more than 2-3 miles at any given time. So why now? I’ve had a goal to run a half marathon on my “bucket list” for several years. In fact, I hoped to complete one before turning 30. I will be 34 when I run this race. Hello, progress over perfection! Last fall I attended the 1st annual Rockin’ for Rett fundraising dinner in Huntsville and had my first experience with GP2C. I started to receive information from them about other annual fundraising events, which included the Disney Princess Half Marathon. I had this idea on my radar but didn’t voice it until this summer after attending a personal growth conference. Thankfully, Cora and Trey were in full support of my efforts to race in honor of their daughters. Their girls are amazing little warriors. I’m excited for you to get to know them if you don’t already. Even if I reach just one person with their story and their battle with Rett, then I will feel successful in spreading awareness and helping get one step closer to curing this disease!

All About Charlie and Livy

Charlie and Olivia are four-year-old identical twins. They received the devastating diagnosis of Rett Syndrome on September 15, 2017. Since that day, their fine motor skills have declined significantly, they have lost all of their language, they grind their teeth, and both girls have difficulties eating and gaining weight. Despite their limitations, Charlie and Olivia have several abilities, which their family and large support group celebrate daily. These girls love music, enjoy spending time with their friends, and they bring joy to everyone they come across. Their mom, Cora, documents their journey and experience with Rett Syndrome through the Instagram account @PinkPuzzlePieces, which has helped them connect with other Rett families, doctors, therapists, and family members around the globe. 

All About Rett Syndrome

Rett Syndrome is a debilitating neurological disorder that predominantly affects females but can affect boys. It is the leading genetic cause of severe impairment in girls, brought on by a single gene mutation that leads to underproduction of an important brain protein. Kids are born “normal,” but without the protein, begin to lose acquired skills between 1 and 3 years old. Many lose their ability speak, walk or use their hands, and depend on their families for every part of their day. Complications include seizures, sudden death in their sleep and scoliosis.Despite their physical disabilities, girls and boys with Rett Syndrome are believed to be functioning mentally at a much higher level than previously thought. Amidst the mass confusion in their central nervous systems, they are smart, strong, and waiting bravely for us to unlock the door to their recovery. 

Today, there is no cure. But Rett Syndrome is CURABLE! Research has proven once protein levels are back to normal levels, symptoms subside.

Researchers at Harvard, Baylor, UVA, Weill Cornell, Emory, Salk Institute, University of Edinburgh and dozens of other top-notch institutions are delving into Rett Syndrome. Not only will their work help thousands of children and adults worldwide, but their findings have a direct impact on research on Autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s and many other disorders.