Revolutionize Rett, set for Monday, March 5th, 2012 from 7:30 to 9:30, will be a fun filled evening of beer tasting and appetizers at Revolution Brewery located in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, IL. It will include 5 different types of beer to drink, and several appetizers; there will also be a silent auction! We expect a great evening of fun and fundraising with friends and family of Cammy Babiarz and others affected by Rett syndrome.
Rett syndrome is a genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in females. Rett syndrome becomes apparent after 6-18 months of early normal development. It results in a regression that leads to lifelong impairments. It is often misdiagnosed as autism or cerebral palsy and has no cure. Those inflicted with this disorder have no purposeful hand use due to their repetitive hand movements, hand wringing and mouthing. Speech is lost, seizures develop and scoliosis occurs. Irregular breathing patterns, hyperventilation and breath holding take place. More than half of the girls and women lose their ability to walk. Those diagnosed with Rett syndrome require maximum assistance with even the most basic daily activities. A girl is born every five hours with Rett syndrome.
IRSF is the largest and most comprehensive non-profit organization for families and friends, scientists, professionals and others concerned with Rett syndrome. The mission of IRSF is to fund research for treatments and a cure for Rett syndrome while enhancing the overall quality of life for those living with Rett syndrome by providing information, programs and services. IRSF was formed in July of 2007 through the merger of the Rett Syndrome Research Foundation (RSRF) and the International Rett Syndrome Association (IRSA).
Since the discovery of the gene that causes Rett syndrome (1999) and recent research that proves the theory of reversibility in mice (2007), we now have an unprecedented and historic opportunity to fund crucial new research. Rett syndrome is the only autism-spectrum disorder with a known genetic cause. It is often characterized as a “Rosetta Stone”, a key that will help unlock treatments and cures for other disorders including autism, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s, anxiety and autonomic nervous system disorders.
Cameron Babiarz was diagnosed one year ago, at 20 months old. She has 7 focused hours of different therapies per week through Early Intervention, as well as hippotherapy and sessions with a communication expert on the weekends. Cameron is unable to speak, but has recently acquired an eye gaze system that will allow her to communicate her thoughts to everyone! She is unable to walk or purposefully use her hands. But despite all of this, she is a very happy, social little girl who loves Sesame Street, reading, swimming, riding her horse, Grover, during therapy, and playing at the park with her friends and cousins like any typical kid. Cameron will turn 3 on March 10, so come on out and celebrate her 3rd birthday with us and join the Cammy Can crusade to raise money and awareness for Rett Syndrome!
To learn more about Cammy and Rett Syndrome check out these YouTube videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdCMMGBUi4A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AR26rlkG24
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb4ePc_lzCE
To attend, donate $40 to this page for each person coming and RSVP to kris4479@Hotmail.com. You can also attend by paying $50 at the door.
If you cannot attend and would still like to donate, please feel free!!