Events

Dec
5
Sat
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Rett Clinic Town Hall Meeting
Dec 5 @ 12:00 pm

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Rett Clinic Town Hall Meeting

Date: Sat, December 5, 2020 Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Are you wanting to understand the current state of clinical care recommendations and appointments? Maybe you’re wondering which clinical trials and future research look the most promising? And what about other local resources for your loved one and family? Perhaps you would like an opportunity to re-connect and re-center with your Rett community? We’ll be sharing insights on this, and much more during our upcoming Town Hall Meeting - live-streamed - on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at 11am -12:30pm (CT). Join us as Rettsyndrome.org, and the Rett Clinic team at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center discuss clinical care recommendations and appointments, clinical trials, the research process, and family empowerment opportunities. Information & Registration
Dec
8
Tue
RettEd: What Do They See? Vision in Rett Syndrome
Dec 8 @ 1:00 pm
Join us Tuesday, December 8th, at 1:00 pm (EDT) to hear from Tristen Dinkel, RN about Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) in Rett syndrome. Our loved ones with Rett syndrome often exhibit particular eye movements or gaze patterns. Is this a motor behavior or visual strategy? What do our children see? How do they process visual information? Register now, and submit your questions. Pre-submitted relevant questions will be addressed, and there will be time for write-in questions during the session. REGISTER Our RettEd Webcasts are Free, but registration is required. RettEd Webcasts are recorded. When you register, you will receive a link to the recording within 1-2 days after the presentation. Rettsyndrome.org is committed to standing with you today, to fighting to transform your tomorrow. Check out our other upcoming webcasts, as well as an incredible library of past webcasts on multiple Rett topics: www.rettsyndrome.org/education.  
Jan
19
Tue
RettEd: How Your Child’s Data is Shaping the Future of Rett Research
Jan 19 @ 1:00 pm
Date: Tuesday, January 19 Time: 1-2:30pm (EST) For the last 16 years, the NIH-funded Natural History Study for Rett Syndrome has been collecting data from over 1000 Rett families. Hear from NHS Principal Investigators, Drs. Alan Percy, Jeffrey Neul, and Eric Marsh on how your data has helped change the management of children and adults with Rett syndrome and improved longevity in those with Rett syndrome. Learn how you can still take part in the NHS before its completion in July 2021. And find out how your participation in the new Rett Clinical Disease Registry, launching in August 2021, will benefit Rett syndrome drug development. Register for FREE, and submit your questions to be addressed during the webinar. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webcast. Information & Registration
Feb
9
Tue
RettEd: Empowering Your Child’s Care Providers
Feb 9 @ 1:00 pm
Join us Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at 1:00 pm EST to learn how you can empower your care team to provide the best quality care for your loved one with Rett syndrome. Dr. Tim Benke from Colorado Children’s Hospital, Katie Hale, NP from Katie’s Clinic at UCSF Oakland, and Melissa Kennedy, Executive Director at Rettsyndrome.org, will unpack the Rett Syndrome Primary Care Guidelines. You’ll learn how to use this evidence-based tool in partnership with your child’s physicians and specialists. The Primary Care Guidelines provides suggested visit schedules by clinical area of assessment, specific concerns to look for, and timelines for follow up appointments. To ensure the best care for your loved one with Rett, join us on February 9 to take a deeper dive. We encourage physicians and health care providers to attend this webinar; invite them to register as well! Information & Registration
Feb
26
Fri
University of Alabama Birmingham Rett Clinic Town Hall Meeting
Feb 26 @ 5:00 pm
Are you wanting to better understand the current state of clinical care recommendations and appointments? Maybe you’re wondering which clinical trials and future research look the most promising? And what about other local resources for your loved one and family? Perhaps you would like to re-connect and re-center with your Rett syndrome community? We’ll be sharing insights on this, and much more during our upcoming Town Hall Meeting - live-streamed - on Friday, February 26, 2021, at 4pm -5:30pm Central time. Join us as Rettsyndrome.org, and the Rett Clinic team at UAB discuss clinical care recommendations and appointments, clinical trials, the research process, and family empowerment opportunities. Information & Registration
Mar
9
Tue
RettEd: Rett Syndrome Communication Guidelines – Real World Application
Mar 9 @ 1:00 pm
Communication is one of Rett syndrome’s biggest challenges. As such, individuals with Rett struggle to connect, build relationships, and make their wishes known. This critical RettEd webcast can help, no matter where a person is on their Rett journey, whether newly diagnosed or an adult who is no longer receiving services. Theresa Bartolotta, PhD, CCC-SLP, along with a speech therapist and parent, will unpack The Communications Guidelines so families, physicians, and caregivers will know how to use this important tool in real-life situations. They’ll share how they’ve implemented its strategies to enhance communication, explain critical information, and answer your questions. Please submit your questions early, and we’ll also take a few during the webcast as time allows. Pre-registration is required. Order the Communication Guidelines handbook today - https://www.rettsyndrome.org/communications-guidelines/ Information & Registration
Apr
13
Tue
RettEd: Let’s Hear It For The Boys! Males with MECP2
Apr 13 @ 1:00 pm
We’ve learned a lot since the ‘80s—and it’s time to set the record straight! Dr. Bernard Suter of Texas Children’s Hospital will share what we know about males with Rett, males with MECP2 duplication, and current and future study options. We’ll also explore why males have not been included in clinical trials so far and if males will be approved for future Rett treatments. Dr. Suter will discuss a new biomarker study specifically for males with MECP2 mutations. Finally, we’ll share how IRSF advocates for males with industry partners. With this in mind, what’s on your mind? Register now and submit your questions and thoughts. There should be time to take write-in questions during the session as well. There is no fee to attend this webinar thanks to your ongoing donor support and that of our Sponsors, but pre-registration is required. Information & Registration
Apr
23
Fri
RettEd: What Hurts? Part 2: Addressing and Treating Pain in Rett syndrome
Apr 23 @ 1:00 pm
How do parents and caregivers recognize and treat pain in a loved one with Rett, especially if communication is a challenge? This RettEd can help! Dr. Tim Feyma and Dr. Art Beisang of Gillette Children's, and Dr. Scott Schwantes of Children's Minnesota, will address the tools you need to identify pain in your loved one and how to treat their pain. With this in mind, what’s on your mind? Register now and submit your questions and thoughts. There should be time to take write-in questions during the session as well. There is no fee to attend this webinar thanks to your ongoing donor support and that of our Sponsors, but pre-registration is required. If you missed Pain Part 1 with Univ of MN Researcher Dr. Frank Symons, feel free to View it here prior to April 23rd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR0uAlsYKmg Information & Registration
May
8
Sat
Run for Rett
May 8 – May 16 all-day

Run for Rett

WE ARE GOING VIRTUAL AGAIN!!!

When: Saturday, May 8th - Sunday, May 16th Where: Any time and any place Our responsibility is to the health and well being of our participants and volunteers for the Run For Rett. The decision to change to a virtual event was thoughtfully made with extreme concern for our entire Rett syndrome community and our dedicated participants and volunteers. Thank you for your understanding, cooperation and support. How you participate is totally up to you. You can run the 5K, walk a mile or sit in your recliner. No matter what you choose you are a winner because you are making a difference in the lives of those impacted by Rett syndrome. We encourage you to register online. It’s easy to register at Raceroster.com/46429 Follow us on Facebook: Click here - Run Rett 2021
Jun
5
Sat
RETT RACERS VIRTUAL SUMMER 5K
Jun 5 @ 10:00 am

The 2nd Annual Summer Virtual 5K is Back!

Date: June 5, 2021 Join our community around the world by lacing up your shoes and hitting your local neighborhood, trail (social distancing required), or treadmill. Run, walk, skip, or stroll to end Rett syndrome! No registration fee; however, fundraising is encouraged. Once $200 has been raised, we will send you a Rett Racer t-shirt. Share your photos on race day to our Facebook event or your personal fundraising page! Use the hashtag #rettracers. Information & Registration
Jun
15
Tue
RettEd: Bringing Treatments & Cures Home
Jun 15 @ 1:00 pm
The Rett syndrome research landscape has changed significantly over the last 30-40 years. IRSF and our legacy foundations have been instrumental in making breakthrough discoveries and life-changing advancements toward a cure. In this webinar, Dr. Dominique Pichard, IRSF Chief Science Officer, will share how our foundation works toward Rett syndrome treatments and cures for all. You’ll learn how we’re investing in genetic approaches, building a robust pipeline for treatments, and utilizing our Rett syndrome Center of Excellence Network to help get treatments approved for your loved one. Information & Registration
Jul
28
Wed
RettEd: Gene Therapy in Rare Disease
Jul 28 @ 1:00 pm
As a rare disease community, we can learn a lot from others further down the road of gene replacement therapy. In this informative conversation with IRSF's CSO, Dr. Dominique Pichard, you'll hear from P.J. Brooks, PhD, Program Director for the Office of Rare Disease Research at the NIH's Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. We'll also hear from CureSMA's Chief Scientific Officer, Jill Jarecki, PhD, who will share what CureSMA learned from their FDA-approved gene therapy clinical trial experience. Join us Wednesday, July 28 at 1 p.m. EDT. Takeaways from this RettEd: - Understand the potential for gene replacement therapy for single-gene disorders like Rett syndrome and learn what is involved in delivering complex treatment molecules to the affected cell. - Understand what NCATS is doing to accelerate clinical trials in rare diseases by moving beyond "one disease at a time" approaches. - Get perspective from another rare disease foundation's gene therapy clinical trial experience. Information & Registration
Aug
20
Fri
IRSF Summer Trivia Night
Aug 20 @ 7:00 pm
Join us for another Trivia Night with IRSF! You’ll have a chance to compete for prizes, test your trivia knowledge & support Rett syndrome at the same time!
  • Date: Friday, August 20th at 7pm EST/ 6pm CST
  • Space will be limited so check back for information on team registration.
  • Sponsorship opportunities are available!
  • Please direct any questions to Jackie Ventura at [email protected].
Information & Registration
Sep
1
Wed
19th Annual SoCal Virtual Strollathon
Sep 1 @ 8:00 am
Join us virtually this Fall as you Stroll in your neighborhood or host a picnic to help overpower Rett. We will host a live event via Zoom on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 at 12 noon PST. Please check back soon for more details. Fundraising pages now open to create teams & personal pages for the virtual Strollathon. Register Donate Sponsor
Sep
19
Sun
10th Annual Nebraska Strollathon
Sep 19 @ 10:00 am

Join us for the 10th Annual Nebraska Strollathon!

Important Update: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have decided to host the event virtually this year! We care about the health of you and your family and hope to be able to gather back in person in 2022.

You can participate virtually in the following ways:

  • Create your fundraising page & teams to help us reach our goal.
  • Purchase a Strollathon t-shirt; shopping link coming soon!
  • Stroll in your own community on Sunday 9/19- be creative! Decorate wheelchairs, cars, etc!
  • Participate in our online auction; coming early September.
  • Join our Zoom call on Sunday 9/19 at 10am CST: link coming soon.
Information & Registration
Sep
25
Sat
18th Annual Cincinnati Strollathon: Virtual Edition
Sep 25 @ 8:00 am
Join us for the 18th Annual Cincinnati Strollathon; VIRTUAL EDITION! We have made the difficult decision to host this year's event VIRTUALLY. We miss you all and can't wait to gather in person again. In the meantime, help us have a great virtual event by participating in a way that works for you!
  • Fundraising pages are now open to create teams and help us overpower Rett.
  • On Saturday, Sept 25th, plan to Stroll your way. Stroll your local neighborhood; decorate your car and drive around town to spread awareness!
  • Consider asking your school or employer to have a special day to wear purple and collect donations!
  • Event Chairs: Jen & Jim Magato ([email protected]) and Brittney Gibson ([email protected])
  • Follow us on Facebook for continued updates & more fun!
Register Donate Sponsor
Oct
3
Sun
15th Annual Minnesota Strollathon
Oct 3 @ 10:00 am

We have made the difficult decision to make this year's event VIRTUAL. We miss you and can't wait to be together again. In the meantime, help us have a great virtual event to help overpower Rett!

  • Fundraising pages now open to create teams & personal pages for the Strollathon.
  • On Sunday, 10/3, plan to Stroll in your own communities. Get creative; decorate your car, wheelchairs, bikes, etc to help raise awareness for Rett!
  • We will be hosting an online auction opening in late September; check back soon.
Information & Registration
Oct
9
Sat
Run for Rett 5K
Oct 9 @ 7:00 am

2nd Annual Run for Rett 5k

Date: Saturday, October 9th, 2021 Location: Bradenton, FL We are very excited to have the Second Annual Run for Rett 5K to help spread awareness about Rett Syndrome. This year plans to be quite exciting with donations going to International Rett Syndrome Foundation as well the We Carry Kevan crew here to help any families who would like to join in the area with a child afflicted with Rett Syndrome. There will be food, prizes, and much more! Registration Make a Donation You can also check out our Facebook event for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/261650685291726 Please direct any questions to event chair, Artie Phillips at [email protected]
5th Annual Virtual Iowa Strollathon
Oct 9 @ 10:00 am

Cheers to 5 years of the Iowa Stroll!

We are so excited to share that the 5th Annual Iowa Strollathon will be happening this year and we have so many fun ways for you to join in! Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have decided to get a little creative in order to continue the momentum to raise funds & awareness to get us one day closer to a world without Rett! This year, we are encouraging you to Stroll your own way- this can be ANYTHING you think of. Some examples could include; a t-shirt fundraiser, a neighborhood Stroll, a garage sale, chili cook-off competition….you name it and you can turn it into a way to raise funds & awareness for Rett. We are here to help you with whatever you come up with and there may be a prize for most creative Stroll .

We will be working hard to make this a fun & engaging experience.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook for exciting updates!

  • We plan to host a small celebration on Saturday, October 9th for Rett families at Kinzler Construction from 12pm-2pm. Invitations will be sent to families via email & postcard.
  • All others are asked to celebrate virtually on 10/09 by Strolling in your own neighborhoods, parks, etc!
Information & Registration
Oct
16
Sat
2nd Annual South Carolina Strollathon
Oct 16 @ 10:00 am
Join us for the 2nd Annual South Carolina Strollathon! We hope to safely gather in-person this Fall and will keep you updated as the event becomes closer! Fundraising pages now open to create teams & personal pages for the Strollathon. Event Chairs: Stephanie Winckler, Danyell Flowers Follow us on Facebook for more event info & updates. Information & Registration
Oct
23
Sat
Rett Gets Rocked
Oct 23 – Oct 24 all-day
Be sure to support Jay Murry, avid Rett Racer & supporter as he takes on his 4th Annual Rett Gets Rocked initiative. Over the past three years, nearly $14,000 have been raised—split between IRSF and the Rett Spectrum Clinic at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Rett Gets Rocked combines Jay’s love for running ultramarathons with the intent to help find a cure for Rett syndrome. In 2021, Jay will run 100 miles and has one other big goal--to help bring a cure of Rett syndrome to those who battle it every day. To support Jay in his efforts, go cheer him on at Wash-U on Sat 10/23 and 10/24. More details can be found at: https://rettracers2021.funraise.org/fundraiser/jay-murry
19th Annual SoCal Strollathon: Virtual Edition
Oct 23 @ 8:00 am
Join us for the 19th Annual SoCal Strollathon! Join us virtually this Fall as you Stroll in your neighborhood or host a picnic to help overpower Rett. We will host a live event via Zoom on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 at 12 noon PST. Please check back soon for more details.
  • Fundraising pages now open to create teams & personal pages for the virtual Strollathon.
  • Event Chairs: Sherri Brady
  • Follow us on Facebook for more event info & updates.
Register Donate Sponsor
14th Annual St. Louis Strollathon
Oct 23 @ 10:00 am
Join us for the 14th Annual St. Louis Strollathon Fall 2021! We miss you and can't wait to be together again. We hope to have a live, in-person Stroll on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021- more details to come! Until then, stay safe & be well. Fundraising pages now open to create teams & personal pages for the Strollathon. Event Chairs: Joyce Opinsky, Amy Kreher & Amanda Sommer ([email protected]) Follow us on Facebook for continued updates. Information & Registration
Nov
10
Wed
RettEd: Next Level Nutrition
Nov 10 @ 4:30 pm

Next Level Nutrition

  Getting proper nutrition is especially challenging for those with Rett. The news is always filled with information on special diets, allergies, and food sensitivities, but how do you sift through it? How do you decide what’s best for your loved one with Rett? This interactive webinar with parent panel and dietician expert Suzanne Geerts can help!  Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2021 Time: 4:30pm Registration is free but required. Registration & Information Submit your questions when you register. International Rett Syndrome Foundation's educational programming is made possible through a sponsorship from ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Taysha Gene Therapies, and Novartis Gene Therapy.
Dec
8
Wed
Retted: Occupational Therapy Strategies: Maximizing Hand Function + Feeding
Dec 8 @ 1:00 pm

Occupational Therapy Strategies: Maximizing Hand Function + Feeding

People with Rett often have difficulty controlling hand movements, which can lead to frustration in using communication devices and participating in adapted recreation and many daily activities. Feeding in Rett patients can also be challenging because of decreased motor skills when chewing and swallowing as well as communication issues in relaying what they want. If you're facing either of these issues, finding a trained therapist who understands Rett is key to creating reasonable goals, managing expectations, and perhaps recovering gains lost during a regressive phase of Rett. Todd Levy and Emily Scott from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and IRSF Center of Excellence will discuss strategies they've seen work in Rett patients and outline the criteria to look for in finding an occupational therapist that will meet your loved one's needs. Information & Registration
Jan
11
Tue
RettEd: Music Through Our Ears and Our Hands
Jan 11 @ 1:00 pm

Music Through Our Ears and Our Hands

Date: January 11, 2022 Time: 1pm Eastern Time Music Therapy: Neuroscience; Clinical Goals; Practical How-To's We know our children have a strong affiliation to music. They have their favorites. It is often a go-to to calm, focus, or motivate them. Why? In this RettEd, we will hear from professionals and parents about the importance of Music Therapy in Rett syndrome. And how does Music Therapy happen in Rett differently than traditional MT? How might you get it going in your everyday life or through an online music group? You will takeaway this and much more. Information & Registration
Jan
27
Thu
Webinar: Learn About the Externally-Led Patient-Focused Drug Development Meeting for Rett Syndrome
Jan 27 @ 3:00 pm

Join IRSF and RSRT on Tuesday, January  27, 2022 from 3 to 4 pm EST for a community webinar to discuss the upcoming March 11, 2022 Externally-Led Patient-Focused Drug Development (EL-PFDD) meeting on Rett syndrome.

Discover why your voice is critical to inform the development and review of new drugs to treat Rett syndrome. Come learn how you can make your voice heard as a participant on March 11th. Learn more about the meeting with guest speakers:
  • Larry Bauer, RN, MS, Sr. Regulatory Drug Expert, Hyman, Phelps, & McNamara, PC
  • James Valentine, JD, MHS, Senior Associate, Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, PC
Register
Mar
11
Fri
Rett Syndrome Externally-Led Patient Focused Drug Development Meeting
Mar 11 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Rett Syndrome Externally-Led Patient Focused Drug Development Meeting Date: Friday, March 11th, 2022 Time: 10am-3pm EDT Location: Online via video conference (meeting registrants will receive an email with a link to the meeting) The Rett Syndrome Externally-Led Patient Focused Drug Development (EL-PFDD) Meeting is our community’s one shot to provide the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with insights to influence the development of new drugs to treat Rett. The International Rett Syndrome Foundation is co-hosting this event with the Rett Syndrome Research Trust. These organizations invite and encourage you to attend. Come and share about the impact of Rett syndrome on your family and how symptom improvements would affect you and your loved one’s quality of life. Together, we can make a difference for the future of Rett syndrome healthcare. Information & Registration
Apr
23
Sat
Run for Rett 2022
Apr 23 @ 8:30 am

RUN FOR RETT

Saturday, April 23, 2022

IN PERSON EVENT!!! & VIRTUAL EVENT!!! Location: Busse Woods, Grove #28 Elk Grove, IL Schedule: 5K – 8:30 am (on-site registration begins at 7:30) 1 mile fun run – 9:00 am HOW TO RUN VIRTUALLY Register at raceroster.com Run anytime between April 16 and April 23, 2022. Choose your own course Most importantly….have fun and enjoy the time outside! To register for either event visit raceroster.com First 200 participants will receive an official Run for Rett T-Shirt! Contact Person: Diane Ross, Email: [email protected], Tel: 847-524-7540
Apr
26
Tue
2022 IRSF Rett Syndrome Scientific Meeting @ GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER
Apr 26 – Apr 27 all-day
One of the goals of our Rett Syndrome Scientific Meeting is to bring together researchers studying Rett and related fields in academia, industry, and governmental agencies from around the world. We invite all researchers to participate, discuss the latest in Rett syndrome science, and share their findings in this meeting. IRSF’s Rett Syndrome Scientific Meeting will be held immediately before the main portion of the ASCEND 2022 Rett Syndrome National Family Summit in Nashville, Tennessee. It will consist of both poster and oral presentation sessions focused on basic, translational, and clinical work on Rett syndrome. LEARN MORE & REGISTER
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