Thursday, October 6, 2016

Purple Reign for Rett Syndrome

October is wonderful for so many reasons, but it's also an important month for many families out there for a NOT so wonderful reason.  That reason being Rett Syndrome.  October is Rett Syndrome awareness month.  Never heard of Rett Syndrome?  Here are a few facts..


*While Rett Syndrome is rare (fewer than 1,000 cases per year) it is heartbreaking.
*Rett Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects girls almost exclusively.
*There is currently no cure for Rett Syndrome.
*Most cases are spontaneous, which means the mutation of the MECP2 gene occurs randomly.
*Rett Syndrom robs its victims of purposeful hand skills, social interation and communication, causes scoliosis, seizures and sleep irregularities. It can cause these beautiful girls their ability to walk, chew, and basically makes them a prisoner in their own body.


These beautiful, once completely healthy girls are thinking clearly but have no way to tell you what they need or want. Their minds are working.  They have the same feelings, emotions and go through the same stages of adolescence as any other child.  Imagine that?  It's a heartbreaking, helpless feeling, right? 
These girls are amazing!  What they endure with a smile on their sweet faces is inspiring, to say the least.  Don't know a girl with Rett Syndrome?  Let me introduce you to this sweetheart...


Meet Maddie.




Isn't she beautiful?  Maddie was dignosed with Rett Syndrome in 2008 when she was only 3 years old.  Maddie is currently 12 years old.  Rett Syndrome has taken many, many things from Maddie, including her ability to walk & talk.  She has developed scoliosis and suffers from seizures.
However, it has NOT taken her beautiful, ever present smile.  She has a deep love for her family. (and Curious George) Maddie finds comfort in music and being surrounded by those she loves.  She has an amazing mother, Angie.  Angie has been one of my closest friends since we were three years old.  (SERIOUSLY!  We grew up like sisters!) We met and became instant BFFs.  There is no mountain she wouldn't climb for Maddie and is ever active in raising Rett Syndrome awareness, along with her mother, Kim (Maddie's Grandma) and Maddie's brothers, Devin and Aiden.


For more information on Rett Syndrome, please go to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation website. Here, you can learn more about Rett Syndrome andis a great place to donate time or dollars, should you wish.
If you are in the Twin Cities area, please check out the upcoming 10th annual Strollathon for Rett Syndrome, being held on Sunday, Oct 9th from 1:30-4:30PM in Savage, MN at McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center.  For more info, please click here.


Now that you know October is Rett Syndrome awareness month, let's bring on the awareness!  The color purple represents Rett angels and I've put together some links and photos of my fav purple products that you can adorn to show your support.  Every conversation, donation... everything helps bring awareness and brings the Rett community closer to a cure!


If you know me personally, I've probably mentioned this before.  In fact, it's made my fav things list via FB live more than once!  It's my VERY favorite Essie nail polish color EVER.  It's called Merino Cool and it's perfection for most every season.  Find it anywhere Essie polish is sold.  I get mine at Target because I'm pretty much there all the freaking time!  (*insert eye roll*)
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How super cute are these rain boots? 
They are Kamik Olivia Rain Boots in the color Berry and you can order them from Famous Footwear by clicking here. They're originally $49.99 but are currently on sale!  YAY!  You know I love a good sale!  How cute will you be splashing around in these adorable boots?!?! 

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Sooooo, if you are old school like me (and still in school) and enjoy an actual calendar/planner versus the calendar on your smart phone, you will love this Vera Bradley agenda.  How cute is this purple pattern??  Plus it's small enough to throw in your handbag and carry with you.  (A phone is too, but whatever.  Don't get me started.  Old school, all the way!)  Get your own here.
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A good handbag is important.  I own this exact one in the color luggage and I absolutely love it.  Perfect size, wears well and goes everywhere with me.   When I saw Michael Kors offered up this bag in Plum, I just knew it had to be added to my purple favs!  Get it here.

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If you already have a handbag that you adore, jazz it up a bit with a pop of color!  You guys, this is a thing now and I personally couldn't be happier.  I freaking love them!  I have one for my own bag. Click here to get one! 
 
They just hang from your bag, like so...

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Last but not least is this amazingly adorable Love Your Melon beanie. 
Plus, it's got a pom which you know I love.  PLUS Love Your Melon is an apparel brand dedicated to giving a hat to every child battling cancer in America as well as supporting non-profit organizations who lead the fight against pediatric cancer.  So not only are so supporting Maddie and other Rett girls by wearing purple to bring awareness to Rett Syndrome, but you also have a hand in helping donate a hat to a child battling cancer.  Be part of something amazing by purchasing your hat here.

Friends, thank you so much for your time in reading this and I hope that you will join us in bringing awareness to Rett Syndome.  Each person who knows about Rett Syndrome and is willing to make another aware and, if able, to make a donation of time or money, brings these amazing girls and their families one step closer to a cure.

*you can follow me on IG @HauteDishHousewife , on FB Haute Dish Housewife , on Pinterest @HauteDishHousewife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways. 




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