October Is Rett Syndrome Awareness Month
This Sunday, Rollx Vans is taking part in the 16th annual Minnesota Strollathon, benefitting the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. The 2022 Minnesota Strollathon takes place at the Environmental Learning Center in Savage, MN, from 1-4 p.m. on Oct. 2.
The team at Rollx Vans has been proud to support this incredible event for several years, and we’re excited to be a part of it once again in 2022. If you’ve never taken part in the Minnesota Strollathon, it’s a great community-building experience that raises critical funds in the fight against Rett syndrome.
What is Rett Syndrome?
Rett syndrome (RTT) is an extremely rare disorder, but its rareness doesn’t make finding a cure any less imperative. Around 1 in 10,000 females are affected by Rett syndrome, and it’s even rarer in males.
Our understanding of RTT is relatively new — it was discovered in 1954 by pediatrician Dr. Andreas Rett. Over the nearly 70 years since it was first observed, medical experts have learned that the condition does not manifest symptoms in children until they reach six months.
The symptoms of Rett syndrome tend to become clearer at around the 12- to 18-month mark. One of the most well-known signs of this disorder is repetitive hand movements. This can include constant rubbing, clapping, or squeezing.
According to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation — the world’s leading authority on RTT and champion in the search for a cure — other symptoms of Rett syndrome can include:
- Loss of ability to communicate
- Loss of mobility or trouble walking
- Issues with eating
- Sleeping problems
- Trouble breathing
- Seizures
- Curvature of the spine or scoliosis
- Slowed growth in hands, feet, and head
RTT shares several symptoms with other, more common conditions including cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder. Because of this, and because of its rarity, it’s fairly easy for RTT to go misdiagnosed once symptoms begin to manifest.
Diagnosis of Rett syndrome can be done with a range of tests, such as hearing and vision tests, electroencephalograms, and MRIs. The most surefire way to accurately diagnose a case of RTT is DNA analysis, which can detect mutations to the MECP2 gene of the X chromosome.
Treatments for RTT include medication to help control symptoms like breathing issues, physical therapy to help maintain mobility for as long as possible, and speech therapy to help develop communication skills. Ultimately, there is no cure for Rett syndrome, but that’s a fact that the International Rett Syndrome Foundation seeks to change.
Support the Fight Against RTT at the 2022 Minnesota Strollathon
The International Rett Syndrome Foundation has been a leader in the race to find a cure for RTT. In its more than 40 years of existence, IRSF has provided more than $54 million to fund research, directly helping create medical breakthroughs that could lead to a world without Rett syndrome. And annual Walkathons have been a huge part of that.
Since the first took place in 2004, Strollathon events have raised more than $15 million for research and support for individuals and families impacted by RTT. That money has helped fund 480 research projects, six active clinical trials, and the establishment of 18 centers of excellence — and counting.
Just as importantly, these events have brought together countless people from local communities across the United States. When you attend the Minnesota Strollathon, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people like you. Whether you’re directly affected by RTT or just want to make the world a better place, this year’s Strollathon gives you the chance to grow your community and expand your reach.
This Oct. 2, you’ll have an opportunity to be one of the many to make a big difference in the fight against RTT. You still have time to register as an individual or with a team and begin raising funds toward our $50,000 goal. Every dollar helps get us one step closer to a world without Rett syndrome.
Don’t forget that October is also Rett Syndrome Awareness Month! If you can’t make the 2022 Minnesota Strollathon but want to get involved in October, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible donation to International Rett Syndrome Foundation. Other ways to join up with the IRSF include volunteering, raising awareness, or purchasing merchandise from the IRSF shop. Even if it’s as simple as sharing your story or the story of someone you know on social media, your voice can make a world of difference.
Rollx Vans couldn’t be prouder to support IRSF and its critical mission of empowering people living with Rett syndrome and finding a cure for future generations. We’re also proud to do what we can to support families and individuals who need practical, affordable mobility solutions. If you’re in need of a vehicle, give us a call at 800-956-6668, send a text to 952-522-8330, or reach us over email at questions@rollxvans.com.