October 4, 2010
October Awareness Month is Here!
October marks official Rett Syndrome Awareness month. Our time for action is now! Rett syndrome has had an immeasurable impact on our children, our families and our community. It is the leading cause of severe impairment in girls yet the general public still doesn’t know about it. Let’s change this. We need the world to embrace our children and help us Turn Research into Reality for thousands of angels with Rett syndrome. We would like to encourage you, with our support, to get out there and spread the news about Rett syndrome. This month is dedicated to helping you do your part in October to educate your family, friends and community about Rett syndrome and our shared fight for a cure.
IRSF hosted a conference call in honor of ORSAM in an effort to make families aware of all of the wonderful things they can do to gain awareness and raise funds for Rett syndrome during ORSAM. This call was geared towards showing families around the country how to make this October the best yet. Visit the ORSAM page to hear motivating stories, tips on getting started and to learn how IRSF is able to support you in the activity that best fits you and your family! Be as involved as you want! Simply take part in an already designed event or create your own with the help of IRSF staff!
Listen to the audio recordings of conference calls (approximately 1 hour each) from 2009 and 2010 to get ideas on how YOU can make this ORSAM amazing!
2010's audio recording
2009's audio recording
IRSF offers so many different ways for you to get involved. We are here to help you be successful! Read on to find out more, and thank you for your commitment. Each of you makes this community stronger.
See what events are happening near YOU!
EDUCATE YOURSELF – IRSF Family Conference
ANNOUNCING! IRSF 2011 FAMILY EDUCATION AND AWARENESS CONFERENCE
The IRSF annual education conference is the only one of its kind where parents and professionals of girls and women with Rett syndrome come together from all over the world, under one roof, to learn the most current recommended care and advocacy strategies for every stage of life, and hear first-hand the latest in research and clinical trials. Experts, exhibitors, and entertainment make this the most anticipated family event of the year.
Save the Date and Start Planning Your Travel Now for the 27th annual conference! Registration and Program details will become available January 2011.
Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-30, 2011*
The Boston Park Plaza Hotel
Boston, MA
www.bostonparkplaza.com
*Popular demand for one annual conference, coupled with greatly negotiated rates over Memorial Day weekend, and partnership with Boston Children’s are enabling IRSF to invite you to join us in one of the countries most loved cities, at the grand historic Boston Park Plaza hotel, with no year-over-year registration fee increase! See you there!
Research Becomes a Reality for Rett Syndrome through New Funding
Cincinnati, (OH) - The International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) announced today that it will award an additional $1.5M in research grants, bringing the 2010 total to $2.15 million for innovative basic and translational research that moves treatments for Rett syndrome a step closer to the clinic. IRSF is the world’s largest private source of Rett syndrome research funding and with the addition of these awards the Foundation has cumulatively provided $23 million for Rett syndrome research.
Rett syndrome is an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), characterized by distinguishing symptoms which begin to manifest in early childhood resulting in seriously debilitating neurological impairments in those affected. October 4th 2010 will mark 11 years since the landmark discovery, made in the laboratory of Dr. Huda Y. Zoghbi, that a single gene, MECP2, is responsible for the majority of cases of Rett syndrome. Since that time the pace of research has been rapid, resulting in recent work demonstrating genetic reversibility of the disease in mice. This year, regular research grant awards will be provided to the following exceptional scientific programs to further advance our understanding of the underlying causes of Rett syndrome:
- "Pharmacological treatment of respiratory disorders in a mouse model of Rett syndrome," John M. Bissonnette, MD and Julian FR Paton, PhD, Oregon Health & Science University and the University of Bristol UK
- "Epigenetic regulation of gene expression by MeCP2 in the mouse brain," Natalie G. Bérubé, PhD, University of Western Ontario
- "Disruption of experience-dependent dendritic spine plasticity in MeCP2 mutant mice," Wen Biao Gan, PhD, New York University, School of Medicine
- "Elucidation of Epigenetic Mechanisms in Rett Syndrome," Lisa Monteggia, PhD, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- "Using ChIA-PET to unravel high order chromatin regulatory functions of MeCP2"," Yijun Ruan, PhD, The Genome Institute of Singapore, the National University of Singapore
- "MHC Class I molecules and receptors as therapy for Rett Syndrome?" Carla J. Shatz, PhD, Stanford University
- "MeCP2 in Cognitive Function in the Adult Nervous System," David J. Sweatt, PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- "The study of Rett syndrome with Mecp2 T158A knockin mice," Zhaolan Zhou, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Huda Zoghbi whose lab discovered the gene responsible for Rett syndrome commented on the caliber of this year’s awardees saying, "I am thrilled to learn that Dr. Carla Shatz will examine visual system plasticity in a mouse model of Rett syndrome. It is important to test this hypothesis given the role of MHC Class I proteins in activity-dependent plasticity during critical developmental periods. Beyond testing this hypothesis, bringing Carla into the Rett field is a huge boost to the neurobiological studies on this disorder." Dr. Shatz was formerly President of the prestigious Society for Neuroscience. This award is made in honor of Grace Reddington.
IRSF also awarded several post-doctoral fellowship training awards that will provide support for outstanding young investigators for the following important scientific projects:
Elena Amendola, PhD, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, "Model of CDKL5 Rett syndrome"
Supported in partnership with the International Foundation for CDKL5 Research
Jing Han, PhD, Baylor College of Medicine, "Investigating the Role of the Neuroendocrine-Hypothalamic System in Rett Syndrome"
Keerthi Krishnan, PhD, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, "Role of MeCP2 in the maturation of neocortical GABA interneurons and critical period of plasticity"
Miriam Kron, PhD, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, "Synaptic mechanisms of apnea in Rett syndrome"
Dr. Katheryn Elibri-Frame President of the newly launched International Foundation for CDKL5 Research (IFCR) commented on the partnership award to Dr. Amendola saying, "Our shared goals and research endeavors will benefit children affected by both CDKL5 and Rett syndrome and we are proud to partner with IRSF in co-funding this project. Finding a cure is our top priority and this is a critical step forward."
- "Pharmacological treatment of respiratory disorders in a mouse model of Rett syndrome," John M. Bissonnette, MD and Julian FR Paton, PhD, Oregon Health & Science University and the University of Bristol UK
- "Epigenetic regulation of gene expression by MeCP2 in the mouse brain," Natalie G. Bérubé, PhD, University of Western Ontario
- "Disruption of experience-dependent dendritic spine plasticity in MeCP2 mutant mice," Wen Biao Gan, PhD, New York University, School of Medicine
- "Elucidation of Epigenetic Mechanisms in Rett Syndrome," Lisa Monteggia, PhD, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- "Using ChIA-PET to unravel high order chromatin regulatory functions of MeCP2"," Yijun Ruan, PhD, The Genome Institute of Singapore, the National University of Singapore
- "MHC Class I molecules and receptors as therapy for Rett Syndrome?" Carla J. Shatz, PhD, Stanford University
- "MeCP2 in Cognitive Function in the Adult Nervous System," David J. Sweatt, PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- "The study of Rett syndrome with Mecp2 T158A knockin mice," Zhaolan Zhou, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
New Translational Research Awards Announced
In addition to the regular research awards, IRSF recently launched "Research to Reality" an aggressive fundraising campaign spearheaded by IRSF’s HeART and ANGEL grant awards which provide funding for drug discovery, development and testing. The first HeART grant awards will provide seed funding for the following early stage drug discovery programs:
- "Serotonin and small molecule treatment of respiratory disorders in a mouse model of Rett syndrome," John M. Bissonnette, Oregon Health & Science University
- "Novel screening methods for quantitative, homeostatic regulation of MeCP2," Rajiv Ratan, MD, PhD, Burke Medical Research Institute, Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- "A high throughput small molecule screening platform for potential Rett syndrome MBD mutation therapeutics," Yi Eve Sun, MD, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles
- "Evaluating carbonic anhydrase inhibitors as potential treatments for Rett syndrome," Liang Zhang, MD, PhD, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital
Earlier this year, IRSF announced funding of the first ANGEL award totaling $446,000 to support a program testing new treatments for breathing dysfunction in Rett syndrome to David Katz PhD, Case Western Reserve University.
Dr. Antony Horton IRSF Chief Scientific Officer commented, "Together these new basic and translational research awards are beginning to fulfill the promise of our ‘Research to Reality’ campaign which seeks to move discoveries out of the lab and translate them into new medicines for Rett syndrome." Dr. Horton added "In addition to this announcement IRSF expects to fund further meritorious research in December of this year".
All grants recommended for funding have been subjected to a rigorous peer-review process and support IRSF’s solid commitment to fund high-quality research programs.
About Rett Syndrome Rett syndrome (RTT): Rett syndrome is a developmental neurological disorder, occurs almost exclusively in females. RTT results in severe movement and communication problems following apparently normal development for the first six to 18 months of life. Characteristic features of the disease include loss of speech and purposeful hand use, repetitive hand movements, abnormal walking, abnormal breathing, slowing in the rate of head growth and increased risk of seizures. Current treatment for girls with RTT includes physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medication for seizures. There is no known cure for RTT. In 2007, researchers heralded a major breakthrough by reversing RTT symptoms in mouse models. RTT is considered a "Rosetta Stone" that is helping scientists understand multiple developmental neurological disorders, and shares genetic links with other conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.
About the International Rett Syndrome Foundation: IRSF is the world’s leading private funder of basic, translational and clinical Rett syndrome research, funding over $23M in high-quality, peer-reviewed research grants and programs to date. Annually, IRSF hosts the world’s largest gathering of global Rett researchers and clinicians to establish research direction and priorities while exchanging ideas and the most recent information. IRSF 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. IRSF has earned Charity Navigator’s most prestigious 4 star rating. To learn more about IRSF and Rett syndrome, visit www.rettsyndrome.org or call IRSF at 1-800-818-RETT (7388).
About the International Foundation for CDKL5 Research: The International Foundation for CDKL5 Research (IFCR) was incorporated as a non-profit entity in September of 2009. The idea culminated from a group of dedicated parents of CDKL5 children, who dared to dream of something life changing for their children - a cure. The parents realized there was a desperate need for education and research, and this could not be completed without funding. They decided to combine their talents and resources to establish a non-profit foundation to help meet these financial needs. IFCR is committed to collaborating with leading scientists and researchers from around the world who are dedicated to finding a cure for CDKL5.
- "Serotonin and small molecule treatment of respiratory disorders in a mouse model of Rett syndrome," John M. Bissonnette, Oregon Health & Science University
- "Novel screening methods for quantitative, homeostatic regulation of MeCP2," Rajiv Ratan, MD, PhD, Burke Medical Research Institute, Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- "A high throughput small molecule screening platform for potential Rett syndrome MBD mutation therapeutics," Yi Eve Sun, MD, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles
- "Evaluating carbonic anhydrase inhibitors as potential treatments for Rett syndrome," Liang Zhang, MD, PhD, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital
The majority of funding for IRSF research grants comes from private donors such as you, your family members and friends. Every dollar counts. Every dollar makes a difference in the lab of a qualified researcher.
If you or someone you know is hosting an event in honor of a special Rett angel please let us know – we can advertise it on our website calendar and flashes! We can also help you design and send out your invitations, save the dates, email blasts and so much more. Or, take part in our Care and Cure Café or our Phantom Tea fundraisers. These are great ways to get personal with raising money for the cause. Please email all event details to Jenni Grammer at jgrammer@rettsyndrome.org. IRSF can offer plenty of support for your event – call the office or email us for more details!
2010 Phantom Tea |
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For those of you that have participated in the past, you know the drill! Send us your orders and we’ll send you your Phantom Tea invitations! For those of you who are new to this IRSF fundraiser, Phantom Tea is a virtual tea party for you, your friends and family to hold in honor of the Rett angel in your life! It’s a great way to hold your own fundraiser without the hustle and bustle of hosting an actual event. Each tea packet comes with tea invitations/envelopes, contribution cards/reply envelopes, donor reply postcards, thank you cards/ envelopes and of course…tea bags! Each kit has 10 sets. You can order as many as you wish! Spread the word and order your 2010 Phantom Tea materials by filling out the attached order form and mail in or email it to jgrammer@rettsyndrome.org. |
The IRSF Care and Cure Café |
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Many of you have asked for the ability to host an online fundraiser so responded by creating the IRSF Online Café! We have made it even easier for you to give something special to the Rett angel who has touched your life. Families from all over the world have created Care and Cure Café pages for their Rett angels. The toasts that family and friends have made are so touching and each "drink" purchased has helped us get one step closer to finding treatments and a cure for this devastating disorder. Join us as we share stories and pictures of the beautiful girls and women that have become a part of the IRSF family. Please contact jgrammer@rettsyndrome.org for details. |
Merchandise Sale
October Awareness Month is a great time to purchase some new Rett syndrome awareness gear for you, your family and your friends! Starting October 1st, use the coupon code, "ORSAM" to receive a 20% discount off certain IRSF merchandise! An IRSF favorite, the "I love someone with Rett syndrome" T-shirt, is back in stock! Get 20% Hats, Magnets, Lapel Pins, the Love Someone T-shirt and the IRSF National T-shirt! Be sure to get yours before the sell out AGAIN. Don’t wait! Use the coupon code "ORSAM" to receive your 20% discount during October Awareness Month!
Governor Proclamations
In support of October Awareness Month, Governors in several states honor our efforts by signing proclamations declaring October to be Rett Syndrome Awareness Month in their states. The Advocacy and Awareness Committee of IRSF’s Family Advisory Board has made it their goal to increase the number of states whose governors declare October to be Rett Syndrome Awareness Month. Heroic efforts have been made in an attempt to obtain these proclamations, and some are already in hand. Proclamations are meant to be used to raise awareness within a state, facilitate news media coverage and to support local fundraisers and education efforts. IRSF encourages you to incorporate them when appropriate into your advocacy efforts. We are supporting and tracking the efforts to procure proclamations in each state. Contact the office at 1-800-818-7388 for more details!
The Combined Federal Campaign
IRSF received over $47,000 in pledges in the 2010 CFC campaign and the 2011 campaign continues thru November. Please share our CFC Code Number: 11046 with family and friends. If you know of a CFC Fair in your area or workplace and are able to secure table space, the foundation has lots of materials for you to distribute. Please call the office at 1-800-818-7388 if you need any materials.
United Way
United Way campaigns continue through the fall as well – While we don’t have a United Way code, many UWs will accept donor directed donations. Just write our EIN – 31-1682518 on the donor designation line –it never hurts to add our name and address if there is room – and in many cases the UW will accept the donation and direct it to IRSF.
It's STROLLATHON SEASON! Find an event near you!
As we get into the heart of fall with October Awareness Month approaching, many families across the country are gearing up for the Strollathon happening in or around their community! IRSF and dedicated volunteers all over have increased the number of Strollathons from 15 last year to over 20! The Strollathon, IRSF’s signature event is a not only a hope-filled day with fun family entertainment, refreshments and mingling, it’s a chance to bring together all the families affected by Rett syndrome coast to coast. The Strollathon program has raised over $2 Million each year to fund cutting edge research and has propelled IRSF to where we stand today – so close to finding treatments and a cure for Rett syndrome.
You may have participated before or maybe this is your first year, either way, this is the year to get involved! We can’t do this alone – we need you, your family and your community to join us in our fight to find a cure for all the girls and women battling Rett syndrome. We are challenging families from all to create a Strollathon Team or Teams for their Rett angels, plan a smaller event in your area or just participate virtually by hosting an online fundraiser at www.firstgiving.com/rettsyndrome! If each family and their teams of friends, family and neighbors committed to raising at least $2,000 can you imagine the difference we could make?!
Why Fundraise? Why the Strollathon? See what IRSF Family Advisory Board Member Mickie McCool says Fundraising for IRSF means to her!
Want to participate, but cannot attend a Strollathon? For those families not able to attend a Strollathon in your state, you could consider participating virtually through our First Giving Strollathon Pages – to find the link for the event near you go to www.rettsyndrome.org and click on "Strollathon Donate Now". You can also participate by creating a smaller "wrap around event." Wrap around events are crucial in helping to increase revenue for Strollathons. IRSF can provide you with a list of wrap around event ideas that will be easy, fun and lucrative!
Here is a testimonial from a mom in Ohio who hosts a smaller wrap-around event each year to support the Cincinnati Tri-State Strollathon:
"Last year was the first year of our 'mini-stroll.' We had come to the Cincinnati stroll for a couple of years and thought maybe we could do something closer to home to help raise awareness and money. Our Allie was 7 then, and we had lots of people who supported us and wanted to be involved, but Cincinnati is 3 hours away for us and not easy for our friends and family to get there.
Our church decided that they wanted to put it together, so we had lots of help, but it was very easy to do. We decided on a date and secured a shelter at our local park. Jenni Grammer was so great about sending pamphlets to pass out and banners to hang for the event. Church members volunteered to make cookies and donate water bottles and punch. We made posters that each had a fact about RS and put them on stakes. Jenni also sent collection envelopes so that people could collect donations before the event.
The day of the stroll, we put up the posters along the route we would be walking and set up a table for cookies and drinks. We had a place for donations and collection envelopes with someone in charge of that area. Everyone met at the shelter and our pastor offered a prayer before we began our walk. We had over 100 people there and raised just over $5,000.00!! We even had another little RS girl attend! It was such a great event we are definitely doing it again this year!"
- Traci, Columbus, OH
Every Strollathon across the country is for everyone fighting Rett syndrome. We can fight this TOGETHER; TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER, but we need your help to expand the scope and awareness of these very important events.
Your help is our hope. It is up to you to decide how you wish to participate. Think about what best fits your life right now. We hope this will be the year you will become involved—or take part again! We have won many battles up to this point, but there is still one very important one we must conquer. Won’t you join the fight?
Our church decided that they wanted to put it together, so we had lots of help, but it was very easy to do. We decided on a date and secured a shelter at our local park. Jenni Grammer was so great about sending pamphlets to pass out and banners to hang for the event. Church members volunteered to make cookies and donate water bottles and punch. We made posters that each had a fact about RS and put them on stakes. Jenni also sent collection envelopes so that people could collect donations before the event.
The day of the stroll, we put up the posters along the route we would be walking and set up a table for cookies and drinks. We had a place for donations and collection envelopes with someone in charge of that area. Everyone met at the shelter and our pastor offered a prayer before we began our walk. We had over 100 people there and raised just over $5,000.00!! We even had another little RS girl attend! It was such a great event we are definitely doing it again this year!"
- Traci, Columbus, OH
Pepsi Refresh Project
Hoorah! Pepsi has confirmed that Rett syndrome finished FIRST in the September voting for the $250,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant! THANK YOU! This dream could not have become a reality for The International Rett Syndrome Foundation without the incredible help of you -- our friends, family, co-workers and many others. You voted for us daily (FOR 4 LONG MONTHS), and many of you were also instrumental in encouraging others to vote.
Congratulations to our other partners who have won –
Our heartfelt best wishes for our partners who are heading into another month of voting, particularly the 2 ideas entered on behalf of Rett syndrome. The first project will serve to provide funding for Rett syndrome clinics while the second project will work to earn funds geared toward CDKL5 atypical Rett syndrome research. Both projects will enter at the $50K level on October 1st. Get ready to give your support Friday morning for TWO WINS in OCTOBER! We encourage all of you to continue to vote for these great causes in the September voting.
Every penny of this grant will go towards research. Just as meaningful, if not more – the winning of this Pepsi Refresh Grant has ignited a sense of HOPEand ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT of our Rett syndrome community at a level never experienced before! The passion, the perseverance and the incredible heroic efforts of our families and friends was unprecedented and contagious these past four months. THANK YOU AGAIN! If you have a funny story, a best practice or photos that you would like to share, please send them to Lisa, lhayden@rettsyndrome.org, with a small blurb explaining the photo and your actions taken during the competition.
As Sir Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." Your personal efforts in giving your time and vote every day to help Rett syndrome win this grant has given so many families GREAT HOPE. On behalf of the entire staff and board of The International Rett Syndrome Foundation,
Thank you
... TO OUR RETT SYNDROME FAMILY!
... TO OUR SEPTEMBER VOTING PARTNERS, Rare Disease Network, CMV, Center for Courageous Kids, 1p36 Deletion Support, Lake Reba, National Inclusion, Horses for Handicapped, Be Instrumental and Tug McGraw, who all have made giant leaps in the rankings but did not enter winning positions this month. We will keep you posted on their involvement in the future for your continued support.
… TO OUR PAST PARTNERS AND PAST PROJECTS WHO SUPPORTED US THROUGH THE END!
Cure JM, PKU, Monkey in My Chair, Mokena, Icing Smiles, SMA and even Hannah’s Hope!
iPad Contest: The Winner Will Be Announce SOON!!! Stay Tuned! Click Here for Official Rules
Would you like to continue voting in support of Rett syndrome's two NEW projects?
Rett syndrome has 2 new ideas competing in the Pepsi Refresh Project in October. The first project will serve to provide funding for Rett syndrome clinics while the second project will work to earn funds geared toward CDKL5 atypical Rett syndrome research. Both projects will compete at the $50K level. Give your support this month to these projects as well as our "Help Our Kids" alliance! Please unsubscribe if you would no longer like to receive these daily reminders.

Support IRSF and the Help Our Kids by voting all 3 ways daily for each idea!
Rett Clinics |
103134 |
Cure CDKL5 |
102973 |
Rare Disease Network |
102614 |
Congenital CMV Foundation |
101692 |
Center for Courageous Kids |
102408 |
1p36 Deletion Support |
101439 |
National Inclusion Project |
102308 |
Lake Reba |
102101 |
Visit www.rettsyndrome.org/pepsi to learn more.
| 1. Vote with your Pepsi Refresh account. | 2. Vote with your Facebook account! Vote For Rett Clinics Vote CDKL5 Research |
3. Vote via Text: Text 103134 to 73774 for Rett Clinics; Text 102973 to 73774 for Cure CDKL5
Note: Standard text messaging rates apply |
Support K.C. Byers in His Rett Ride Across America
Hi, I am K. C. Byers, a 54 year old cancer survivor. After having 7 stints placed in my heart in June 2009 due to Coronary Artery Disease, I decided to get into shape through cycling. I am the father of 5 children, my 16 yr old step-daughter Katelyn is my "silent angel." She has a debilitating genetic disorder called Rett Syndrome.
This crippling developmental disorder primarily affects girls who progress normally until 6 to 12 months of age. Then they begin to lose acquired motor skills and the ability to communicate. By the age of three years, girls with Rett Syndrome face many lifelong disabilities. Due to their severe apraxia, they are frustrated by the will and desire to move but have great difficulty doing so. Additionally, many must deal with seizures, scoliosis, breathing issues, complications with swallowing and chewing. They all require complete and total care 24 hrs a day. They are literally trapped within their bodies…………. This would frustrate anyone beyond belief! It is out of this frustration that I decided I needed to do something about it.
In November of 2009, I began to plan and train to ride my bicycle across the United States to raise awareness and funds for the thousands of Rett girls. I will depart Jacksonville, Florida on Sept. 25th and ride 100 miles per day across the southern portion of the country for approximately 30 days, with hopes of arriving in Santa Monica, California no later than October 31st, which is National Rett Syndrome Awareness Month. Please help me and my team raise the money that will fund the needed research to identify a treatment or cure for these very special silent angels.
Get Updates Sent to your phone! Text the message "RETTRIDE" to the number 90210.
Learn More at www.RettRideAcrossAmerica.com
A Cookbook to Benefit Rett Syndrome
In the spirit of giving back, a book club decided to put together recipes for a great cookbook to sell in which the proceeds would be donated to The International Rett Syndrome Foundation in support of funding research for Rett syndrome to help one of its members, Robin Diamond’s daughter Abby, who suffers from Rett syndrome, and thousands of girls like her. It is our hope that fundraising efforts such as ours will contribute to one day finding a way to reverse the symptoms of this devastating illness.
Please feel free to go on line to look over their "masterpiece." Much time and energy has been put into creating something special. You can view it at www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/16142251. If you go to the bottom right corner of the link you will be able to increase the size of the page and read pages of the book. These recipes are truly awesome for those of you who entertain.
Holidays are right around the corner – what a perfect gift for someone who loves someone with Rett syndrome and loves to cook!
Regional Representative Program—serving families across the country
Have you gotten to know your Regional Rep? Click here to view the current list of Regional Reps around the country. This team of dedicated and compassionate people is ready to assist you in many ways—emotional support, information on programs and services, advice on how to get involved in your community or if you simply wish to talk…they are waiting to hear from you!
Interested in becoming a Regional Rep? The following states are currently vacant and waiting for the right person to step in—Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee and Wyoming. Learn more about the program and consider applying today!
Please contact Jennifer Endres if you have questions about the Regional Representative Program! jendres@rettsyndrome.org
Attention All Grandparents!
Have you joined the IRSF Grandparents Network? This Network consists of close to 200 sets of grandparents of girls and women diagnosed with Rett syndrome. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know other grandparents, share stories, ask questions, learn more about Rett syndrome and feel part of a special and unique group of incredible people! The Network runs mainly through email with an occasional informational conference call that grandparents are welcome to dial into and listen in. Please register today!
Even if you are not yet officially registered as a member of the Grandparents Network, please consider taking part in a very EASY and FUN fundraiser! IRSF is requesting that all grandparents consider participating in the Phantom Tea during the fall in honor of their granddaughters and October Rett Syndrome Awareness Month. The Phantom Tea is a "virtual tea party" which you invite your family and friends to participate in. You will be sent everything you need to get started—invitations, donation forms, thank you notes and of course tea bags! The only things you need to do are come up with an invitation list and supply the stamps. The recipients will receive your invitation, which clearly explains the purpose, and will proudly be able to donate to IRSF, learn a little about Rett syndrome and sip a cup of tea in honor of your granddaughter! Please contact Jennifer Endres today to get started or if you have questions about the Grandparents Network! jendres@rettsyndrome.org
IRSF Networks are Expanding - join the Teachers and Therapists Network
If you are working with or have worked with a student with Rett syndrome, we want to hear from you! If you are the parent of a child with Rett syndrome, please let your child’s teachers and therapists know about this newly established network! Professionals will be able to communicate through various social media outlets as well as participate in informational and educational conference calls, custom planned depending on the needs and interests of those involved. Registered teachers and therapists can participate at the level that is right for them but can be assured there is a sounding board and others available for questions, brainstorming and sharing of ideas. Register today by emailing your name and information to jendres@rettsyndrome.org.
Join one of our many support networks today!
Please contact Jennifer Endres if you have questions about any of our support networks! jendres@rettsyndrome.org

Your Online Vote can help our friends the Rocky Mountain Rett Association (RMRA)
Sears is giving away up to a BILLION reward points (value $1,000,000) to the winner of their online video contest. The Rocky Mountain Rett Association has submitted a video and will be awarded 75% of the prize with the help of your votes (the other 25% will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital). The Sears competition is primarily for Sears points, but Sears will also payout 30% of the value of the points in cash. It is their intent to use the cash portion to help fund the start of a Rett Clinic in Colorado with pediatric neurologist Dr. Tim Benke, and use the balance of the points to purchase much needed items for the clinic and to support Rett families in need. “It is our intent to find the best use of these proceeds to help as many people in the Rett World as possible.”
How it works: Please follow the link below and vote for the video once per day through October 4th. The web site is a bit challenging; please persevere. They need to finish in the top 20 to get to the final voting stage. Once in the final voting stage, the finalists will compete for a win in October. Please support RMRA!
- The winner of the contest will get up to one billion reward points (worth one million dollars) divided as follows:
- 1/4 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Sears’ corporate charity)
- 1/4 to Rocky Mountain Rett Association
- 1/2 to be donated to Rett Organizations through RMRA
- The 1/2 will be grossed up by 30% to cover taxes; we intend this cash to be donated
- The total prize depends on the number of videos submitted. Right now this is approximately $540k.
- The top twenty videos as of Oct 5 will be entered in the final voting. This is our immediate objective.
- How to vote:
- Go to the RMRA video at www.tinyurl.com/searsvideo
- Enter your email address and the code displayed
- The first time you vote, the system will send an email to confirm your address; you must respond to the link in the email to confirm your email and complete your first vote*
- Subsequent voting is very simple. No login is required and you can go directly to the above link and input the email address and code. Each person / email can vote up to once per day
*Note: Please contact Todd Benjamin at webmaster@corett.org for any questions or assistance you may have regarding this competition.
* We have had some problems in getting the confirmation email. The system sometimes seems to ignore some addresses. We recommend using an alternative address. The confirmation email does not arrive immediately and may take up to 24 hours.
- 1/4 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Sears’ corporate charity)
- 1/4 to Rocky Mountain Rett Association
- 1/2 to be donated to Rett Organizations through RMRA
- The 1/2 will be grossed up by 30% to cover taxes; we intend this cash to be donated
- Go to the RMRA video at www.tinyurl.com/searsvideo
- Enter your email address and the code displayed
- The first time you vote, the system will send an email to confirm your address; you must respond to the link in the email to confirm your email and complete your first vote*
- Subsequent voting is very simple. No login is required and you can go directly to the above link and input the email address and code. Each person / email can vote up to once per day
Event Calendar
- October 4, 2010: The Woodlands, TX | Stroll Across Texas - Finale Concert
- October 9, 2010: Rochester, NY | 1st Annual Ribs for Rachel
- October 10, 2010: Fairfax VA | 5th Annual Fairfax Strollathon
- October 15, 2010: Morgantown, WV | 1st Annual HER Night For Brenna
- October 21, 2010: Boston, MA | 10th Annual Boston Festival Of Food & Wine
- October 30, 2010: Coconut Creek, FL | 1st Annual South Florida Strollathon
Please Update Your Contact Information with IRSF
Please contact Lisa Hayden at lhayden@rettsyndrome.org or by calling 1-800-818-7388 to easily and quickly update your information.
Donations
Please remember when making a donation to find out if your company has a Matching Gift Program. These extra donations go a long way. Please send any matching gift forms to Cara Leighton at cleighton@rettsyndrome.org or by fax at 513-874-3020
Please send ALL DONATIONS to P.O. Box 706143 Cincinnati, OH 45270-6143.
Please send ALL MAIL to 4600 Devitt Drive Cincinnati, OH 45246.

