Hello all! Thanks for visiting my sponsorship page. Please help me support Girl Power 2 Cure in their efforts to raise funds for research for Rett Syndrome!

What is Rett Syndrome?

Rett Syndrome is a debilitating neurological disorder that predominantly affects females (but can also affect boys). Rett Syndrome is the leading genetic cause of severe neurological impairment in girls and is characterized by a single gene mutation that leads to underproduction of an important brain protein known as MECP2.

Kids are born “normal,” but without the protein, begin to lose acquired skills between 1 and 3 years old. Most lose their ability to speak, walk or use their hands, and depend on their families for every part of their day. Complications also include seizures, scoliosis, and the potential for sudden death.

Despite their physical disabilities, girls and boys with Rett Syndrome function at a similar cognitive level to their peers. Amidst the mass confusion in their central nervous systems, they are smart, strong, and waiting bravely for us to unlock the door to a cure and their recovery. 

Today, there is no cure. But Rett Syndrome is potentially CURABLE! Mouse and primate experimental treatments have proven that once MECP2 protein levels are restored to normal levels, symptoms subside.

Why this cause?

You may be wondering why I've allied myself with this cause. The short answer is: for my children. Now, my children are currently healthy, but about a month ago we had a scare. My younger daughter, Cora, woke up one morning fussy and with a high fever. After consulting with her doctor, I took her into Children's Hospital. Because of her age, the doctors at the hospital advised a variety of tests and Cora was admitted. Watching them treat her, helping to hold her down, trying in vain to soothe her as they attempted to start an IV and run a spinal tap...it was excruciating. I knew, logically, that this was probably no more than a cold made dangerous by her age, but in that endless limbo that is hospital time, it was difficult to believe it. The following morning, encouraged by Cora's progress, I took advantage of a nurse's visit to run down a floor and find something to eat. As I hustled through the sunlit atrium, the full meaning of "children's hospital" finally hit me. A little girl hugging a stuffed animal as she waited for surgery. A toddler in an IV holder made to look like a wagon. A game room filled with books and stuffed animals and games, all of it wheel chair accessible. It was a beautiful, thoughtfully designed space, and it was horrifying. 

We got to take Cora home later that day. Both my girls are currently healthy, happy, and keeping us busy with their antics. We hope they will always be that way. But until Children's Hospital closes its doors for lack of patients, we're going to keep up the fight. Rhett Syndrome is just one of millions of disorders and diseases, but it is a disorder that is potentially curable. Just by reading this, you've already joined with us in spreading information that could lead to a cure. Thank you! If you'd like to do more, consider making a donation to Girl Power 2 Cure. Your money will support Girl Power 2 Cure's mission of raising awareness, supporting families, and finding a cure.

Together, we can run Rett Syndrome into the ground!