A Plea for Help

There is a little girl I know of who is Julia’s age.  We hang with the same Mom’s group.   Her name is Reagan:

Isn’t she just adorable?

She was born a happy and healthy little girl and then slowly started missing developmental milestones.  Her parents took her from doctor to doctor searching for answers, and just before her 2nd birthday,  Reagan was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a debilitating neurological disorder diagnosed almost exclusively in females.

Reagan can no longer speak and has lost the purposeful use of her arms and hands.  Fortunately, she is one of the few girls affected that can walk but it is possible that she will eventually lose this ability as well. She does not say any words and rarely babbles but she has the most beautiful smile and a giggle that warms everyone’s heart.

You can read more about Reagan here:  http://reagan-haley.blogspot.com/

Let me say here that I very rarely do fundraisers.  I’m just not into asking people for money.  However, Reagan’s story has really touched my heart since she is Julia’s age.  And, after reading about Rett Syndrome and all the girls affected, you can’t help but want to find a cure.

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So, I’ve said all of this to ask for some help.  I have 3 ways to help – some easier than others:

1.  Easy and FUN:  Come to the Austin Strollathon this Saturday from 9 am to noon!  It is at Lake Walter E. Long Recreational Park, 6614 Blue Bluff Rd., here in Austin.  In addition to the mile walk, there will be an inflatable bouncer, face painters, free Schwan’s ice cream, concession stand, silent auction, a DJ, etc.  And Kevin Black (as in Clint’s brother) will also be doing a live performance to close out the event.  This is a free event!  Reagan’s Mom really wants to just raise awareness of this disease.

2.  Easy but will affect your pocketbook: Please consider sponsoring my family at any amount in our walk to find a cure and raise awareness at the Austin Rett Walk/Strollathon.  You can find my fundraising page and donate at: http://www.firstgiving.com/nancyalvarado

3.  EASY – Just a couple clicks of your mouse!:  The International Rett Syndrome Foundation is trying to win $$ from Pepsi to help research.   You can help by voting daily in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge.  It just takes a quick sign in and a click to help win $250k for research on Rett Syndrome!

1. Vote with your Pepsi Refresh account.

2. Vote with your Facebook account!

3. Vote via Text: Text 100842 to Pepsi (73774) Note: Standard text messaging rates apply

http://www.rettsyndrome.org/get-involved/research-to-reality/pepsi-refresh.html

Thanks for listening to this plea for help.  I’ll reward y’all with a post on a long-awaited quilt finish tomorrow!