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Join the fight to raise awareness for Rett Syndrome this October, as we recognize it as Rett Syndrome Awareness Month. This rare neurological disorder affects mainly females and is caused by a genetic mutation. It was first discovered in 1966 by Dr. Andreas Rett, and since then, efforts have been made to spread knowledge about the condition and support those living with it. So let's use this month to educate ourselves and others, show our support for those affected, and work towards finding a cure!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rett Syndrome Discovery</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dr. Andreas Rett identifies this unique neurological disorder, affecting mainly females, later named as Rett Syndrome.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rett's Syndrome Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Swedish researcher Bengt Hagberg publishes a report recognizing Rett Syndrome as a specific disorder, contributing to research on the condition worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1999</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Gene Mutation Identified</div><div class='timeline-text'>Scientists discover MECP2, the gene mutation responsible for most cases of Rett Syndrome, aiding in early diagnosis and increasing our understanding of the disorder.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rett Syndrome Mouse Model Cured</div><div class='timeline-text'>Researchers manage to reverse Rett Syndrome symptoms in a mouse model, providing hope for possible future treatment options for people with the disorder.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rett Syndrome Awareness Month Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>October is officially recognized as Rett Syndrome Awareness Month, annually promoting awareness, research, and support for those living with the syndrome.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraising event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a charity event, such as a walk or run, to raise awareness and funds for Rett Syndrome research. Invite friends, family, and community members to participate and donate to the cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share information on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread the word about Rett Syndrome by sharing facts, statistics, and personal stories on social media. Use hashtags like #RettSyndromeAwarenessMonth and #RettSyndromeWarrior to reach a wider audience.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take time to learn more about Rett Syndrome and its impact on individuals and families. Share your knowledge with others and raise awareness about this rare disorder.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear purple</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Purple is the official color of Rett Syndrome awareness. Show your support by wearing purple clothing or accessories throughout the month of October.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer with a local organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local organization that supports individuals with Rett Syndrome and offer your time and skills to make a difference. This could include helping with events, fundraising, or providing support to families affected by the disorder.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Raise awareness and understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of the brain, resulting in severe physical and cognitive disabilities. By having a designated month to bring attention to this disorder, we can educate others and increase understanding and empathy for those experiencing it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Support affected individuals and families</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Rett syndrome can have a significant impact on both individuals living with the condition and their families. By having an awareness month, we can come together as a community to support and advocate for those affected by Rett syndrome and raise funds for research and resources to improve their lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Drive progress towards finding a cure</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>With increased awareness comes increased funding for research and clinical trials, bringing us one step closer to finding a cure for Rett syndrome. By recognizing Rett Syndrome Awareness Month, we can contribute to the overall progress towards a better future for those affected by this disorder.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rett Syndrome is Rare but Global</h3><p class='facts-content'>Rett Syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs in about 1 in 10,000 live female births across the globe, regardless of ethnicity or geographical location.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mutation in MECP2 Leads to Majority of Cases</h3><p class='facts-content'>Most cases of Rett Syndrome, nearly 80%, are caused by a mutation in the MECP2 gene but less commonly, mutations in other genes like CDKL5 and FOXG1 can also lead to this disorder.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Symptoms Often Surface Between 6-18 Months of Age</h3><p class='facts-content'>Children with Rett Syndrome often appear healthy at birth and develop normally for the first 6-18 months of life before symptoms start appearing.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Loss of Purposeful Hand Skills and Spoken Language</h3><p class='facts-content'>Symptoms of Rett Syndrome include losing purposeful hand skills such as holding toys and feeding themselves. They also cease trying to communicate verbally.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rett Syndrome is Not Always Inherited</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite being a genetic disorder, Rett Syndrome is almost always sporadic, which means it's not inherited or passed down from parents. The genetic mutation happens randomly during the formation of sperm or egg cells.</p></div></div>
Rett Syndrome Awareness Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024, Rett Syndrome Awareness Month falls on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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