Members of the Honors College had a spectacular experience volunteering at the second annual Reverse Rett Upstate New York family fun day. Held at the Spiegletown Fire House on Sept. 9, students spent the sunny day bringing smiles to children by helping with face painting, bouncy slides, and arts and crafts.
What made the event even more special was knowing that it was all for a good cause, to help raise money for Rett Syndrome research. All sponsorships and donations go directly to the Rett Syndrome Research Trust, a nonprofit organization focused on finding a cure for Rett Syndrome.
Rett Syndrome is a severe neurological disorder that impacts all facets of life for children and adults with the syndrome. Symptoms may include loss of speech, trouble with balance and motor coordination, irritability and crying, and disrupted sleep patterns. Many children develop seizures, anxiety, breathing problems, gastrointestinal and orthopedic issues, as well as oral motor difficulties. Current estimates of Rett Syndrome in the United States include about 15,000 girls and women with an estimated 350,000 girls and women impacted worldwide (see website linked below). There are currently about 60 boys known to have Rett Syndrome worldwide, including two in our area!
For more information or to donate to this important cause, please visit: https://reverserett.org/
A very special thank you to Casey Ryan, assistant professor of Criminal Justice, for welcoming the Honors College students to participate in the event! Students were also delighted to meet Don Fane, a former HVCC Board of Trustees member, at the event. Also, a special shout-out to the HVCC baseball team for doing a terrific job directing the traffic at the event.
