October 2019: Rett Syndrome Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Rett syndrome is a rare postnatal genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in females, rarely males; and,

 

WHEREAS, Rett syndrome affects 1 in 10,000 females and is caused by variants in the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome; and,

 

WHEREAS, children with Rett syndrome develop typically for the first 6 to 18 months of life before they experience a period of rapid regression in language and motor skills. This leads to severe impairments such as loss of speech, seizures, breathing difficulties, and intellectual disability. Many with Rett syndrome require a wheelchair; and,

 

WHEREAS, the hallmark sign of Rett syndrome is near constant repetitive hand movements while awake; and,

 

WHEREAS, those diagnosed with Rett syndrome require maximum assistance with daily living activities; and,

 

WHEREAS, the disorder is not degenerative, and biomedical research in mice suggests that neurological symptoms may be reversed even after decades of severe symptoms; and,

 

WHEREAS, Rettsyndrome.org is the world’s largest private source of funds for Rett syndrome research, addressing the full spectrum of this developmental disorder while advocating to improve the quality of life for the patients and their families; and,

 

WHEREAS, we must continue our efforts in bringing awareness and have funding available for researchers who are dedicated in finding a cure for Rett syndrome. We support this shared mission now more than ever, and, together, progress will continue until there is a world without Rett syndrome;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2019 as Rett Syndrome Awareness Month in Michigan.