August 19, 2009
International Rett Syndrome Foundation Appoints Stephen E. Bajardi as Executive Director
For Immediate Release- August 10, 2009
Contact: Kathryn Kissam 225/810-3687 kkissam@rettsyndrome.org
(Cincinnati, OH) - After an extensive national search the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) Board of Trustees is delighted to announce that Stephen E. Bajardi has joined the foundation as Executive Director.
Steve has a robust background in the non-profit world where he has worked at an executive level for the National Kidney Foundation, National Hemophilia Foundation, Huntington’s Disease Society of America, March of Dimes, Princess Grace Foundation, and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Steve is currently a Board Member of the National Organization of Rare Diseases.
Kathryn Kissam, chairman of the board of directors of IRSF, said, “We believe Steve brings the ideal combination of experience, leadership, strategic thinking, and fundraising acumen that will help our organization make unprecedented progress forward in its mission to accelerate treatments and a cure of Rett syndrome. As Executive Director, Steve will lead our IRSF team of dynamic and committed professionals and help shape a broader foundation business model focused on growth and strategic partnerships. ”
IRSF is the world’s leading private funder of basic, translational and clinical Rett syndrome research and is the most comprehensive non-profit organization dedicated to providing thorough and accurate information about Rett syndrome, offering informational and emotional family support, and stimulating research aimed at accelerating treatments and a cure for Rett syndrome and related disorders.
Stephen Bajardi said, “I’m thrilled to be joining the Foundation. I did my research about them -- no other organization is poised to bring about the research breakthroughs like IRSF. Their philosophy of delivering a CURE while providing CARE to those affected by Rett was a critical in my decision to join their efforts of charge into the future. My experience in the non-profit world has shown my time and time again that the organization the believes in working with both the researchers and families is the one that will ultimately make the largest impact.”
Kathryn Kissam added, “IRSF is focused on funding research that will reverse the symptoms of Rett syndrome in humans as we have seen in mice models. We are committed to bringing this to a reality as soon as possible for all of our loved ones living with Rett syndrome. Steve‘s leadership and proven fund raising and advocacy experience will help our Foundation make tremendous strides forward in the most professional, strategic, and caring manner possible.”
Steve will begin working at IRSF on August 31st.
About Rett Syndrome
Rett syndrome (RTT), a brain disorder affecting development in childhood, has been identified almost exclusively in females. RTT results in severe movement and communication problems following apparently normal development for the first six months of life. The characteristic features include loss of speech and purposeful hand use, occurrence of repetitive hand movements, abnormal walking, abnormal breathing, and slowing in the rate of head growth. Current treatment for girls with RTT includes physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medication for seizures. No cure for Rett syndrome is known. In 2007, researchers heralded a major breakthrough by reversing RTT symptoms in mouse models. Rett syndrome is recognized as the “Rosetta Stone” of other neurological disorders, with genetic links to other disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
To learn more about IRSF and Rett syndrome, visit www.rettsyndrome.org or call IRSF at 1-800-818-RETT.
[SUBSCRIPTIONS]
International Rett Syndrome Foundation Appoints Stephen E. Bajardi as Executive Director
For Immediate Release- August 10, 2009Contact: Kathryn Kissam 225/810-3687 kkissam@rettsyndrome.org
(Cincinnati, OH) - After an extensive national search the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) Board of Trustees is delighted to announce that Stephen E. Bajardi has joined the foundation as Executive Director.
Steve has a robust background in the non-profit world where he has worked at an executive level for the National Kidney Foundation, National Hemophilia Foundation, Huntington’s Disease Society of America, March of Dimes, Princess Grace Foundation, and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Steve is currently a Board Member of the National Organization of Rare Diseases.
Kathryn Kissam, chairman of the board of directors of IRSF, said, “We believe Steve brings the ideal combination of experience, leadership, strategic thinking, and fundraising acumen that will help our organization make unprecedented progress forward in its mission to accelerate treatments and a cure of Rett syndrome. As Executive Director, Steve will lead our IRSF team of dynamic and committed professionals and help shape a broader foundation business model focused on growth and strategic partnerships. ”
IRSF is the world’s leading private funder of basic, translational and clinical Rett syndrome research and is the most comprehensive non-profit organization dedicated to providing thorough and accurate information about Rett syndrome, offering informational and emotional family support, and stimulating research aimed at accelerating treatments and a cure for Rett syndrome and related disorders.
Stephen Bajardi said, “I’m thrilled to be joining the Foundation. I did my research about them -- no other organization is poised to bring about the research breakthroughs like IRSF. Their philosophy of delivering a CURE while providing CARE to those affected by Rett was a critical in my decision to join their efforts of charge into the future. My experience in the non-profit world has shown my time and time again that the organization the believes in working with both the researchers and families is the one that will ultimately make the largest impact.”
Kathryn Kissam added, “IRSF is focused on funding research that will reverse the symptoms of Rett syndrome in humans as we have seen in mice models. We are committed to bringing this to a reality as soon as possible for all of our loved ones living with Rett syndrome. Steve‘s leadership and proven fund raising and advocacy experience will help our Foundation make tremendous strides forward in the most professional, strategic, and caring manner possible.”
Steve will begin working at IRSF on August 31st.
About Rett Syndrome
Rett syndrome (RTT), a brain disorder affecting development in childhood, has been identified almost exclusively in females. RTT results in severe movement and communication problems following apparently normal development for the first six months of life. The characteristic features include loss of speech and purposeful hand use, occurrence of repetitive hand movements, abnormal walking, abnormal breathing, and slowing in the rate of head growth. Current treatment for girls with RTT includes physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medication for seizures. No cure for Rett syndrome is known. In 2007, researchers heralded a major breakthrough by reversing RTT symptoms in mouse models. Rett syndrome is recognized as the “Rosetta Stone” of other neurological disorders, with genetic links to other disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
To learn more about IRSF and Rett syndrome, visit www.rettsyndrome.org or call IRSF at 1-800-818-RETT.
[SUBSCRIPTIONS]