Events

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
Sep
22
Wed
RettEd: Partnering with Your Pharmacist: A Spoonful of Ways to Help the Medicine Go Down
Sep 22 @ 1:00 pm
Why should your pharmacist be an active partner in your child's care team? Join us to hear directly from pharmacists who are Rett family members that understand the issues and challenges we face when it comes to getting our loved ones to take their medicine. You'll walk away from this RettEd learning: • How medicines are formulated and why • How to organize your loved one's medication management (especially if they have swallowing issues or a g-tube), • How to improve communication with prescribing doctors • How to get help with securing insurance authorizations, and more! 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
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
Apr
27
Wed
ASCEND 2022 Rett Syndrome National Summit @ GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER
Apr 27 – Apr 30 all-day
We’re gearing up for the ASCEND 2022 Rett Syndrome National Summit in Nashville! GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER April 27-30, 2022 Designed to unite us as a community, this event will bring together parents, families, clinicians, researchers, and Rett organizations around the world. Together we can overcome the challenges of Rett syndrome and reach the summit of hope and healing–a world without Rett syndrome. Information & Registration
Jul
26
Tue
RettEd | Transitioning into Adulthood, Part 1: Medical Transition
Jul 26 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Date: July 26, 2022 Time: 1-2 p.m. Eastern Time The first in a 3-part series on topics pertaining to adulthood in Rett syndrome, this session will provide strategies and resources to empower and prepare you and your young adult for the transition from pediatric to adult medical care. Medical transition is not a one-size-fits-all process, and this workshop-style talk will empower your family to have the best, most family-centered transition of care possible. The session will include stories from other caregivers and individuals in the Rett community and further expand on topics and questions from the session at IRSF’s ASCEND 2022 Rett Syndrome National Summit. Speakers: Jessica Nickrand is a program manager at the Child Neurology Foundation (CNF). She supports CNF’s Transition of Care Program—its largest and most diverse program—which helps to support youth, families, and child neurology teams in the medical transition. Jessica holds a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and is passionate about developing programs that empower young adults and their caregivers to effect systems-level change.  Paige Nues is the Director of Family Empowerment for the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF). Since her daughter, Katie’s diagnosis of Rett syndrome in 2003, Paige has worked diligently to build bridges between patient families, clinicians, scientists, and industry, both at IRSF and as a parent founder of Katie’s Clinic for Rett and Related Disorders at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Thank you to our RettEd Empowerment Sponsor, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, for helping IRSF provide educational resources and support to families affected by Rett syndrome. INFORMATION & REGISTRATION Medical Disclaimer: All information, content, and material provided in this webcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Aug
1
Mon
RettEd | What Comes Next? The FDA Regulatory Process from NDA to FDA Decision and Beyond
Aug 1 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2022 Time: 3 p.m. EDT With the recent news about trofinetide’s new drug application (NDA) submitted to the FDA, we are entering a new space for Rett syndrome: FDA Review. While this is the first time for Rett, it won’t be the last, and our community has a lot of great questions: “What does submitting an NDA mean? What’s the next step? How much longer? When will we have an approved treatment? How will my loved one get access to this treatment?” To answer these questions and many more, IRSF is excited to bring back FDA expert, James Valentine, Esq., to join IRSF’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Dominique Pichard for a live webinar. Join them as they review the FDA regulatory process, share what happens between a successful Phase 3 clinical trial and an FDA decision about a drug or therapeutic, and explain what could come next for trofinetide and the Rett community. Thank you to our RettEd Empowerment Sponsor, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, for helping IRSF provide educational resources and support to families affected by Rett syndrome. INFORMATION & REGISTRATION Medical Disclaimer: All information, content, and material provided in this webcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Sep
27
Tue
RettEd Webinar | Transitioning into Adulthood, Part 2: Lifecare Planning
Sep 27 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Date: September 27, 2022 Time: 1-2 p.m. Eastern Time The second in our 3-part series on topics pertaining to adulthood in Rett, this online workshop focuses on preparing for life post-high school when school services and support conclude. Geared for parents, guardians, and family members of the older teen and adult with Rett syndrome, this session will cover:
  • Legal Planning: Special Needs Trusts, Letter/Memorandum of Intent, Guardianship
  • Financial Planning: How to fund a Special Needs Trust, ABLE accounts, and more
  • Benefit Planning: Finding and accessing federal benefits like SSI & SSDI, Medicaid, Waivers, etc.
  • Defining Your Replacement Team: What happens when you can no longer provide direct care alone?
Speaker: Kacy Seitz is a financial planner with a Northwestern Mutual practice that serves nearly 500 special needs families in 28 states. As a special needs parent to 12-year-old Hudsyn (a friend of Samantha Brant’s daughter, Macy!), Kacy is all-too-familiar with the common fears you may have in learning about the topic of long-term planning for your child. In fact, she opened her practice in 2013 because she had difficulty finding good, sound advice to help her develop a solid plan for her daughter. Now, Kacy has personally trained and mentored hundreds of other advisors on how to do this type of planning for their clients, focusing on helping special needs families with proper financial planning throughout their lifetimes. Thank you to our RettEd Empowerment Sponsor, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, for helping IRSF provide educational resources and support to families affected by Rett syndrome. INFORMATION & REGISTRATION Medical Disclaimer: All information, content, and material provided in this webcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Oct
21
Fri
Rett Spectrum 5th Annual Family Education Symposium @ Washington University School of Medicine
Oct 21 @ 3:00 pm
Date: Friday, October 21, 2022 Time: 3:00 p.m. CT (entry in-person/zoom at 2:45p) Location: Washington University School of Medicine (660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110) INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
Oct
22
Sat
IRSF RettEd Day at Kennedy Krieger Institute @ Kennedy Krieger Institute
Oct 22 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Date: October 22, 2022 Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. Eastern Time Location: Kennedy Krieger Institute's Arnold J. Capute, MD, MPH Conference Center – Eighth Floor (1741 Ashland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205) Our RettEd Days are for everyone wanting to connect with experts in the field of Rett syndrome especially families, caregivers, educators, clinicians, and therapists. Participants will enjoy a rich and informative day of topics and discussions covering research updates, medical and therapeutic intervention strategies, communication strategies, and more. REGISTRATION & INFORMATION Make sure to follow the event on Facebook to stay up to date!
Dec
6
Tue
RettEd Webinar | Transitioning into Adulthood, Part 3
Dec 6 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Date: December 6, 2022 Time: 1-2 pm ET INFORMATION & REGISTRATION Quality of Life Options by Real-Life Families Every individual with Rett syndrome is unique and while our paths may be similar, no family’s Rett journey is the same. This is especially true as our children grow into adults; while they don’t outgrow their need for us, there is no one ideal or specific policy roadmap to help navigate our loved ones’ Rett journey into adulthood. But with proper planning, goals, and vision, we can ensure this journey leads to an enriched adulthood. In the 3rd talk in our 3-part series on navigating adulthood in Rett syndrome, join us for a candid conversation with families who have navigated this process to provide the best quality of care, constructing meaningful lives for their adult loved ones while caring for themselves too. Learn about what you need to change, what needs to be secured, and what creative living and life options are out there for your adult with Rett syndrome from families who have been through this before. The panel includes:
  • Paul and Janelle Jochim, parents to Jill (age 46)
  • Megan Ladenburger and Mom Shanna Sowers, sister and mom to Brittany (age 34)
  • Theresa Bartolotta, mom to Lisa (age 33)
  • Moderator: Paige Nues, IRSF Family Empowerment Director and mom to Katie (age 20)
  • Special Guest: Sheila Lullo, Special Projects Coordinator of Quality Outcomes at Clearbrook in Illinois, a provider of community-based residential options, day programs, and more to adult individuals with special needs.
Join us for the webinar as our panel shares their real-life experiences and the process they went through in choosing Day Programs, Self-Directed Programming, Residential Care, and more. Thank you to our RettEd Empowerment Sponsor, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, for helping IRSF provide educational resources and support to families affected by Rett syndrome. Medical Disclaimer: All information, content, and material provided in this webcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
May
11
Thu
Live Parent Panel: My Trofinetide Clinical Trial Experience
May 11 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Date: May 11, 2023 Time: 7-8 p.m. ET INFORMATION & REGISTRATION In March our community celebrated a first for Rett: trofinetide, now known commercially in the US as DAYBUE™, became the first-ever FDA-approved treatment for Rett syndrome. This approval was the culmination of a journey that began more than a decade ago and succeeded only thanks to the perseverance and commitment of the researchers and families who participated in every stage of the clinical trials. During the trials, these families gained insight into the side effects of this treatment and saw first-hand the potential benefits for their loved ones with Rett. Join IRSF for a candid Q&A with parents whose daughters participated in different stages of the trofinetide clinical trials. During this 1-hour live webinar, they'll share their experience with the treatment, covering topics including how they managed side effects, what changes they saw in their daughters, and what they would share with any parent considering DAYBUE for their child. Our Parent Panelists:
  • Silvia Baker, parent to Olivia, age 17
  • Patty Mevis, parent to Kira, age 16
  • Erica Waggenspack, parent to Kerrigan, age 5
The panel will be moderated by Paige Nues, IRSF Family Empowerment Director, and include questions submitted by our community. Medical Disclaimer: All information, content, and material presented in this webinar is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your specific medical condition.
May
23
Tue
Physician Panel: Answering Your Questions About Trofinetide
May 23 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 Time: 1-2 p.m. ET INFORMATION & REGISTRATION In March our community celebrated a first for Rett: trofinetide, now known commercially in the US as DAYBUE™, became the first-ever FDA-approved treatment for Rett syndrome. This approval was the culmination of a journey that began more than a decade ago and succeeded only thanks to the perseverance and commitment of the researchers and families who participated in every stage of the clinical trials. During this 1-hour live webcast, join IRSF and a panel of physicians who treat individuals with Rett syndrome. As principal investigators for the trials, our panel has firsthand knowledge of the potential benefits and side effects of trofinetide. They'll answer your pre-submitted questions, share their anecdotal learnings, and provide information important for any parent considering DAYBUE for their child. Our Panelists:
  • Dr. Tim Benke, Professor of Pediatrics, Pharmacology, & Neurology at the University of Colorado/Children's Hospital Colorado
  • Dr. Robin Ryther, Director of the Rett Spectrum Clinic at Washington University School of Medicine
The panel will be moderated by Carmen Luna, IRSF Clinical Network Manager, and include questions submitted by our community. Medical Disclaimer: All information, content, and material presented in this webinar is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your specific medical condition.
Jun
22
Thu
2023 RettAway @ Morgan's Wonderland
Jun 22 – Jun 25 all-day
Date: June 22-25, 2023 Location: Morgan's Wonderland Accessible Theme Park (5223 David Edwards, San Antonio, TX 78233) For Event Information & FAQs, CLICK HERE. IRSF’s RettAway is a destination vacation for families to spend time together and build connections with other members of our Rett community. It’s not a conference – there are no meetings or educational presentations. It's an exclusive opportunity for your family to have fun together in a location that understands the challenges and joys of caring for a loved one with Rett syndrome. This year’s RettAway brings us back to Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas! Join us for a long weekend of fun in the sun at this accessible theme park, including an afternoon at Morgan’s Inspiration Island Splash Experience reserved just for Rett families. There will be ample time to catch up with friends new and old throughout the weekend or explore all the city has to offer. No matter where you are on your Rett journey, there will be activities, support, and bonds to be made at this June’s RettAway! REGISTRATION & HOTEL INFORMATION

Already registered?

Make sure to RSVP "Going" on the Facebook event page to stay up to date on deadlines, information, and to make plans to connect with other families! Sponsored by:
Aug
5
Sat
IRSF RettEd Day with UCSF Oakland Children’s CoE @ Camp Arroyo
Aug 5 @ 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Date: Saturday, August 5, 2023 Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. PT Location: Camp Arroyo (5535 Arroyo Rd, Livermore, CA 94550) Our RettEd Days are for everyone wanting to connect with experts in the field of Rett syndrome especially families, caregivers, educators, clinicians, and therapists. Participants will enjoy a rich and informative day of topics and discussions covering research updates, medical and therapeutic intervention strategies, communication strategies, and more. REGISTER & MORE INFORMATION
Sep
9
Sat
IRSF RettEd Day with UTSW Dallas CoE @ Rett Syndrome & Related Disorders Clinic
Sep 9 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT (registration opens at 8:30a) Location: Rett Syndrome & Related Disorders Clinic (Dallas, TX) Our RettEd Days are for everyone wanting to connect with experts in the field of Rett syndrome especially families, caregivers, educators, clinicians, and therapists. Participants will enjoy a rich and informative day of topics and discussions covering research updates, medical and therapeutic intervention strategies, communication strategies, and more. REGISTER & MORE INFORMATION
Sep
30
Sat
IRSF RettEd Day with Montefiore CoE @ Tri-State Rett Syndrome Center at Montefiore
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET (registration opens at 8:30a) Location: The Children's Hospital at Montefiore (Bronx, New York) Our RettEd Days are for everyone wanting to connect with experts in the field of Rett syndrome especially families, caregivers, educators, clinicians, and therapists. Participants will enjoy a rich and informative day of topics and discussions covering research updates, medical and therapeutic intervention strategies, communication strategies, and more. REGISTER & MORE INFORMATION
Oct
6
Fri
WUSM/SLCH Annual Family Education Symposium @ Washington University School of Medicine
Oct 6 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Date: Friday, October 6, 2023 Time: 3:00 – 6 p.m. CT Location: Washington University School of Medicine or Virtually Download the Registration Flyer Register now for the Annual Family Education Symposium, part of the Rett Spectrum Conference Series brought to you by Washington University School of Medicine and Children's Hospital St. Louis. It's free to attend the symposium, but registration at the link below is requested. REGISTER & MORE INFORMATION
Jun
19
Wed
ASCEND 2024 Rett Syndrome National Summit @ The Westin Westminster
Jun 19 – Jun 22 all-day
Designed to unite us as a community, this event will bring together parents, families, clinicians, researchers, and Rett organizations around the world. Come join us in the Mile High City as we ascend to greater heights at The Westin Westminster. This location offers sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains and is conveniently situated just 15 minutes from both Denver and Boulder. Featuring a lineup of expert speakers, updates on Rett syndrome research, and opportunities to connect with your Rett community, ASCEND 2024 is not to be missed. Look out for information on early bird registration, discounted room rates, and more later in 2023! Together we can overcome the challenges of Rett syndrome and reach the summit of hope and healing–a world without Rett syndrome. REGISTER & MORE INFORMATION

Thank you to our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Platinum Sponsors:
Platinum Transparency 2022 - Candid Best In America - Certified by America's Best Charities Charity Navigator - Four Star Charity Charity Navigator - Four Star CharityVERIFIED State Registrations CharityStateReqistration.org COMPLIANCE SHIELD