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October is National Rett Syndrome Awareness Month:

There are several families living in Bakersfield that have a child with Retts. Most people have never heard of Rett Syndrome although there are close to half a million girls and women suffering worldwide. It is the most disabling of the Autism spectrum disorders. Striking mainly little girls. These girls are born normal only to be put into a regression stage from the age of 6- 18months and they are robbed of their ability to talk, walk, crawl or the use of  their hands. Over 80% of the girls suffer seizures, scoliosis and sudden death in their sleep. Many require help with feeding tubes and all require 24-hour-a-day care. It is random and can strike anywhere. There is currently no cure of Rett Syndrome, but it is CURABLE. Research has proven this syndrome can be reversed in mice. Rett Syndrome attacks a child every 5 HOURS but it could be one of the first childhood neurological disorders to be cured. Their findings would have a direct impact on research on Autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s and many others. It was identified just 25 years ago, it’s prevalence equals that of Cystic Fibrosis, Huntington’s and ALS, but is vastly under-funded by comparison. Thousands of letters were sent to the Oprah studios begging for airtime to get the word out about Rett Syndrome. My 4 year old daughter, Gia has Retts and she is the most loveable little “wiggle worm” that you will ever meet. I look into her eyes and just hope one day she will be able to say, “ Mommy, I love you!” Until my daughter is cured and the thousands of other silent Angels, I will not stop spreading the word about Rett Syndrome and begging others to donate for such an extraordinary cause. There are several websites that can be visited and send donations to including: www.rsrt.org and www.reverserett.org. Or call 1-800-818-Rett. Imagine the symptoms of Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, and anxiety disorders all in one little girl. My daughter had two surgeries by the time she was 3 years old. She constantly has doctor’s appointments at UCLA, Children’s Hospital in Madera, Katie’s Clinic in Oakland and she goes to several offices here in Bakersfield just to keep her little body going. Every mother and father’s wish for their children is to be happy and healthy. My daughter is happy, but she needs your help to become healthy. The scientists, technologies and ideas are in place. The next steps are clearly defined. The time to act is now. Please Donate and help us make Rett Syndrome the First REVERSABLE Brain Disorder!