What is Rett Syndrome?
Rett Syndrome is an uncommon, but
severe brain ailment that affects female children typically. It's usually
discovered in the first two years of female life, Rett Syndrome is a
neurodevelopmental disorder that affects girls almost predominantly. It is
identified by normal early growth and development followed by a slowing of
development, loss of purposeful use of the hands, distinctive hand movements,
slowed brain and head growth, problems with walking, seizures, and intellectual
disability.
Rett Syndrome also causes problems
with muscles and coordination. Walking becomes awkward as girls develop a
jerky, stiff-legged gait. A girl with Rett Syndrome may also have uncoordinated
breathing and seizures.
Planning a Fundraiser
assists in the research for the cure of Rett Syndrome
Planning a fundraiser puts us back
in the driver’s seat. Any amount raised, regardless of how big or small, takes
us one step closer to the cure. Often Rett Syndrome can make us feel helpless,
since there is so little we can do to alter its course.
Accepting the diagnosis of Rett
Syndrome is not easy. It can be a tragic, dark and isolating period until decisions
are made regarding how to proceed. Each family differs and will cope in their
own unique different way. However, for many, hosting or participating in a
fundraising event can bring comfort and healing as well as a sense of
community.
Hosting an event or just supporting
the event is a commitment. The interactions you create with other families and
volunteers within the Rett Syndrome community will be your support, even as you
are supporting them. Example of families who are benefiting from this fund raising
research is the Hughes family daughter, Emily Hughes. This is Mark and Melanie
Seigler’s granddaughter, the owners of Seigler Funeral Home in Mulberry,
Florida. Emily was recently diagnosed with RTT. The resulting regression
triggers lifelong impairments, including speech-loss, seizures, scoliosis,
irregular breathing patterns and more than half of the women and children
affected will lose the ability to walk. When Emily was diagnosed the family
became very passionate about finding a cure not just for Emily, but all
children with this disease.
Strollathon
The annual Strollathon is a
signature fundraising event with event listings posted on
www.rettsyndrome.org. This family event
is led by local volunteers, and raises crucial research dollars and public
awareness of Rett Syndrome (RTT). Since 2004, volunteers and families have
assisted to raise worldwide over $6.8 million, and have grown the Strollathon
program, which has grown from 4 events to over 20 events annually. This day
brings together the children and women living with Rett Syndrome along with
their families, and the community. This event builds an understanding and a
sense of community among local Rett Syndrome families and society at large.
The Strollathon 2015 event was held
in Lakeland, Florida. This year event in just one day raised a total of
$32,121.30. Mark and Melanie Seigler, and the Hughes family raised $8,595.00 of
the $32,121.30. This family is truly grateful for everyone who assisted in the
event and financially donated towards finding a cure.
Seigler Funeral Home (Mark
& Melanie Seigler) in Mulberry involvement
SEIGLER FUNERAL HOME is an
organization which has been in existence since 1917, and it was fully
established in 1926, and is one of the only two funeral homes in Polk County
that is still owned and operated by the founding family. For the last three
generations Seigler Funeral Home has taken great pride in providing
"Exceptional Personal Service" that the families we have had the privilege
of serving expect and deserve. We will always strive to do our utmost to
provide each family we serve with integrity and dignity, regardless of social
or economic standing.
Mark and Melanie Seigler believes
passionately in serving their community, so when they reached out to their
community for help with their granddaughter, Emily their community responded.
The Seigler family has served so many families over the years who have
undergone the emotional strain of losing a loved one, and now the community is
there for them when they needed assistance.
The Seigler family will continue to
be there for the community to help during a time of need or just to discuss
pre-arrangements to lift the burden of decision-making pressure at a time of
grief and emotional stress. For more info please visit
http://www.seiglerfuneralhome.net
Seigler Funeral Home
1300 E. Canal St, Mulberry, Florida 33860
Phone number: (863) 425-1131 or (863) 425-1858
Email: info@seiglerfuneralhome.net
