There are several reasons why I'm running in this race - one of which is how my clothes don't fit the way they used to. But there are other, more important reasons. Such as young girls that may never be able to run at all in their lives.

Rett Syndrome is a rare, severe neurological disorder that affects mostly girls. Impacts of this syndrome include:

- Slowed growth. The brain doesn’t grow properly, and the head is usually small. This stunted growth becomes clearer as the child gets older.

- Problems with hand movements. Most children with Rett syndrome lose the use of their hands. They tend to wring or rub their hands together.

- No language skills. Between ages 1 to 4, social and language skills start to decline. Children with Rett syndrome stop talking and can have extreme social anxiety. They may stay away from or not be interested in other people, toys, and their surroundings.

- Problems with muscles and coordination. Walking is difficult or impossible.

- Trouble with breathing. A child with Rett may have uncoordinated breathing and seizures, including very fast breathing (hyperventilation), forceful exhaling of air or saliva, and swallowing air.

Although there's currently no cure, early identification and treatment may help girls and families who are affected by Rett syndrome. While being thankful for my health, I want to run in this race to help families facing things I can't imagine. 

On a less serious note, I am running with my best friend, Brittny. We have both found ourselves facing life events we never thought we'd face, but we are facing them together. This race is a way of us proving to ourselves that we can overcome anything together.

I will be putting the name of everyone that donates $10 at a time in a jar, and whoever is drawn on December 1st will recieve a free cut and color by me! I will also offer a free cut and color to the donor that gives the most. (If you are male and do not want color, I will work something else out!)

Thank you in advance to everyone who gives. The world will be a brighter place.

Love & Light,

K