Stroll Across Texas

Hello family and friends!

As most of you know, our 2 year old daughter, Reagan, was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome in January.  Rett Syndrome is a debilitating neurological disorder diagnosed almost exclusively in females, affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 live births around the world.  It has taken away many of our hopes and dreams for Reagan.  She cannot speak and has lost the purposeful use of her arms and hands.  We are fortunate that she is one of the few girls affected that can walk, however it is possible that she will eventually lose this ability as well.

Since Reagan’s diagnosis we have become members of the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF), supporting its goal to find a cure or treatment.  And a cure is possible!  Scientists were able to reverse the symptoms of Rett Syndrome in lab mice in 2007.  However, funding is crucial for continued research…and this is a great time for fundraisers because the IRSF will receive matched donations throughout 2010 via a grant funded by Pioneer Fund.  So, every dollar we raise is matched!!

The Strollathon is IRSF’s signature event and is similar to a 5k (think Race for the Cure) but is only a mile in distance, and it’s a nationwide campaign.  Each year the campaign increases in size and participation, and with Strollathon events taking place in many cities this year, the “Stroll Across Texas” campaign has been born.

The Stroll Across Texas includes events in Austin (chaired by me and Wes), Amarillo, Dallas, San Antonio and the Valley and culminates in Houston with a live concert at Dosey Doe by "The Boys Are Back". 

The Austin Strollathon will be Saturday, September 18^th at 9am at Lake Walter Long Park.  Although we will have support and guidance from the IRSF, we don’t have any real experience in coordinating fund raisers like this…and as you know, the success of any specialized event like this is largely dependant upon word of mouth and participation of friends and families, so Reagan, Lauren, Wes and I are asking for your help to help raise funding and awareness. How, you ask?

1)       Become a team captain for the Austin Strollathon.  This involves organizing a team with as few or many people of your choice to raise funds and awareness.  All members of your team do not have to participate in the walk on the day of the event.  Please contact me if you are interested.  Naturally the more teams we have, the more opportunity there is to raise money.

2)       Join “Team Reagan” at http://www.firstgiving.com/reaganconroy

3)       Locate and/or suggest Corporate donors.  We will need refreshments, decorations, a DJ, and possibly a photographer.  The corporate sponsor donations will assist in paying for these items so that all money raised will donated to Rett Syndrome. Again, please contact me with this information.  The IRSF has a website with more information for sponsorships.

We are looking forward to this incredible opportunity and doing it again next year and every year until a cure is found. We hope you are able to join us so we can share this experience with you and make the Austin Strollathon a huge success.