Thanks again and again...

It was another great day at the 2012 Run4Rett on October 13th!  Thanks to each any every one of you who came out to participate as part of Team Abby!  Special mention goes to Abby's brother, Ben, who was the overall winner of the 5 km race with a personal best time!

It was a cold, but sunny day and the rain held off until things were winding down.  Abby was thrilled to see all the people wearing her shirts and loved all the attention paid to her!  It is her favourite day of the year, by far. She finished the entire 1 km with the support of her grandpa and dad.  She fell asleep that night with a smile on her face.

Although the moral support for Abby and the other girls is the most exciting part of the Run4Rett, we also greatly appreciate all the financial support for the Ontario Rett Syndrome Association!  For many people, it is tough to find sponsors year after year.  Abby is blessed with an amazingly supportive network of family and friends who plead for pledges year after year on her behalf.  This is much appreciated!

Rett syndrome is a life-long condition which affects the entire family.  In addition to the daily need to accommodate for disabilities, we need to be constantly on alert for new medical complications.  I am proud to say O.R.S.A. supports families in many ways while still supporting research to find an end to Rett syndrome.  We're excited about the new Canadian Rett Syndrome Registry which will allow Abby to be part of clinical trials for treatments in the near future, thanks to our donors.

Thank you again and again for your support along the way!

Let's Get Ready

It's rallying time for Team Abby and our supporters!
The Run4Rett is happening on Saturday, October 13th, 2012! 

Important Links:

• Race day details
• Online registration
• Download registration
• Online donations/sponsorship
• Download a pledge sheet

You can also register on event day.  Just get there early to avoid the line-up.  The 1km walk/run is first and starts at 11:00 a.m.

Please make cheques payable to the "Ontario Rett Syndrome Association."  Tax receipts are issued for an online donation of $20 or more.  For cheque donations, it's $10 or more (because it doesn't go through Running Room.)

Our Team Abby shirts were just ordered!  This year's design is by Julia, Abby's 17-year old cousin. Thank you, Julia!  The shirts are blue with a white imprint.  Get yours on race day at the Team Abby table!

For anyone who would like to volunteer that day, please email me at karen@rett.ca so I can send your names in to the organizers.

We are grateful for all the work you do to collect donations to the Ontario Rett Syndrome Association.  We support this organization because we know the direct impact is has on Abby and many others with Rett syndrome in Canada.  O.R.S.A. relies on donations and membership for its entire budget.  There is no paid staff.  The bulk of the funding goes to research, conferences, medical clinics, and educational events and information for families and medical professionals.  This year, we'll see the start of the Canadian Rett Syndrome Registry, fully funded by O.R.S.A.  It is essential to establish this registry before clinical trials for treatment can start in Canada.

For those who can't come on October 13th, we still appreciate your support.  Donations can be mailed in or done online any time. Thank you!