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Community Corner

Rett Syndrome Foundation's Seventh Strollathon

The International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) will host its seventh annual St. Louis Strollathon.  The one-mile family friendly stroll includes a visit from Fredbird, entertainment and food.  All proceeds will benefit Rett Syndrome research.

Each year's event has had 500+ participants, and more than $360,000 total has been raised for the past six walks.  Last year a record 25 Strollathons took place throughout the country and raised $1 million for the foundation, making the fundraising effort's grand total of nearly $8 million nationwide for research over 10 years.

Rett syndrome is a genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in females and becomes apparent after 6 - 18 months of early normal development.  It results in a regression that leads to lifelong impairments.  Those inflicted with this disorder have multiple dysfunctions:  speech is lost, seizures develop and scoliosis occurs, many develop irregular breathing patterns, and more than half of the girls and women lose their ability to walk.  Those diagnosed with Rett sydrome require maximum assistance with even the most basic daily activities.  The hallmark of Rett syndrome is near constant repetitive hand movements while awake.

The gene that causes RTT was discovered in 1999 and, in 2007, research proved the theory of reversibility in mice.  Human clinical trials began in Boston in 2010 to improve and possibly reverse the disorder's progression.  Research is currently focusing on multiple disease-modifying human clinical trials.

IRSF is the world's leading private, non-profit organization that has funded more than $24 million for research to date.

Donations are appreciated.  For more information, call Strollathon chair Joyce Opinsky at (314) 878-0868, email at stlstrollathon@gmail.com, or visit the organization's web site at www.rettsyndrome.org.

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