Brooklyn

Over the past couple of years we have had the privilege of getting to know a coworker of Kevin's--Charles--and his wife Kelly.  They have a sweet little girl named Brooklyn who is Cambel's age. Like Cambel, Brooklyn learned to crawl, then walk, and feed herself, and even began to speak--until a terrible disease took over her body. Rett syndrome has left Brooklyn without the ability to do all the things that 3-year olds fill their day with. Although severely limited by the effects of Rett syndrome, Brooklyn is like any little girl on the inside. She is smart and sensitive and has her own unique set of likes and dislikes. Her parents are people that I truly admire. Like most parents, they give their daughter much love, care, and patience, and try to fill her world with things that will help her grow and develop. But since they are also fighting Rett syndrome, their job as parents takes on a whole new dimension. They need special (and expensive) equipment to encourage Brooklyn's body to move.  They need special tools to help her to communicate. They need researchers and doctors fighting with them to find a cure for this disorder.  And they also need people like you and me to help them fight for a cure. Today is the kick-off for Dress Up 2 Cure--the annual fundraiser for Rett Syndrome.  Great progress is being made in finding a cure, but research isn't free, and money is needed to fund the experiments that are bringing Brooklyn and other girls like her closer to being able to walk and talk, run and play, and do all the things that they want to do but can't. There are lots of things you can give money to, and lots of things you can spend money on. But this is a cause that is worth your consideration. Imagine if it was your child....

You can read more about Brooklyn and her family at brooklynbutler.blogspot. com. There will be links there that will tell you where and how to donate.  You can also click on the Dress Up 2 Cure widget (scroll down--it is on the right) to donate.