Run4Rett 2010

Hooray for another successful Run4Rett!  

We could not have asked for a more beautiful, sunny day!  Over 300 people attended the event and enjoyed the family fun and fitness.  One of the runners who came to race (unrelated to anyone with Rett syndrome) commented that it was great to see how we all brought our kids out.  I wanted to tell him I wouldn't be there if it weren't for my kids.  I managed to complete the 5 km route along with many others, but I discovered I can no longer keep up to my 8-year old daughter.

The large crowd of supporters was a powerful reminder that we are not alone in the struggle with Rett syndrome.  We were grateful to have so many familiar faces on Team Abby, along with many new faces.  Caroline said to me later, "Mom, there were some people with Team Abby shirts on and I didn't even know who they were!"  I assured her they were not impostors.  Our support network keeps growing.

It was also great to see many of our Rett family friends, along with some new families.  The beautiful girls and women with Rett syndrome certainly seemed to know they were the centre of attention for the day.  Dr. Eubanks spoke about the many hopeful advances in research during the last year.  For the first time ever, there are clinical trials going on to study treatments for the symptoms of Rett syndrome.  Stay tuned for updates.

We are sincerely grateful to the whole organizing committee, under Juliana's direction, for planning and implementing such a worthwhile event.  The long hours of hard work and organization have certainly paid off.  Special thanks to Tim and Cindy, who coordinated the Silent Auction this year, to Trish, our T-shirt sponsor, faithful friend, and participant on Team Abby, and to all the people who helped look after Abby this weekend so the rest of us could run!

Abby was calm and tired during the event, but she managed to complete the 1 km route with her grandparents.  On the way home, she became more animated and seemed to be telling us all about the day.  She was quite excited!  At bedtime, she was very attentive as I talked to her about the day and about the many, many people who love her.  

We are all overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, both from the participants and from the many generous donors.  Heartfelt thanks to all of you!