Girl Power 2 Cure
“New Normals”
Dear GP2C Family,
As life with COVID-19 unfolds all around us, many changes are rocking our collective worlds. All aspects of life are “out-of-sorts”, from work, school, leisure activities, and even simple trips to the grocery store. “New Normal” is the most over-used phrase in our vocabulary these days… I hope it goes away soon.
Obviously, special needs families are particularly affected. For them, normal was never that easy to begin with. The “new normal” is likely not any better. As the new school year approaches, many are having to adjust and adapt to schedule changes, home school requirements, e-learning platforms, modified therapies and many other factors (face masks – ugh) that further complicate an already complicated environment.
GP2C and Rett University have not been immune from this virus either. As you might imagine, we were not particularly prepared for fundraising or providing educational services in a socially-distanced world. Dinners with 200 people in attendance can’t happen. Runs and walks and other gatherings are off-the-table for now. Visits to families, school districts, or conducting educational seminars – all replaced by “virtual” interactions. But like all of you, we are making the adjustments necessary to cope.
We are pressing forward and making changes. Why? Because this work is too important. Rett Syndrome will still be there when this virus is gone, and we can not lose this precious time as we seek cures and treatments. Too many people we love are depending on us.
As the remainder of this year unfolds, know that we are here to help you. At Rett University, we have developed some very effective methods for virtual coaching and training that can still benefit your family and educational teams. Please call us and let’s get back to work.
As for fundraising… that’s a tough one too, but we have developed several “virtual” events and platforms that are easy to implement and very effective. I’ll be honest – asking for money in these unique times and circumstances is a sensitive matter, but time and time again, we have seen that your families, friends, and networks will respond. They do it because of you, and because they are already “connected” to our girls and boys who need us to keep pressing forward. Please reach out if you can. Hopefully, it will encourage your soul to see the response. It might even help you (and them) feel a bit more “normal”.
#GP2C #HopeInAction #RiseAboveRett
July Raffle!
The Girl Power 2 Cure July giveaway is brought to you by Denay Hooks. She has generously donated a copy of her book “The Adventures of Bug and Boo – Under the Sea”. This is a story of sibling adventures, and how their love truly removes all limits. It’s a great tool to show children that individuals with disabilities are loving and capable in so many ways, and it is a brilliant conversation starter to initiate these conversations with your children.
Click the link for a chance to win a copy!
Family Support
Empowering parents, educators, and therapists with the knowledge and strategies to help students with complex needs reach their highest potential.
Monthly Blog
When going to the beach or the pool there are so many things to consider. Will it be too hot? Will the water be too cold? Are there ways to make it easier for my child to have fun and participate safely? So many questions and unknowns.
Here are some ideas to make your adventures run smoothly when headed out to the beach or pool this summer… (Follow the link to read more)
Rett University
Empowering parents, educators, and therapists with the knowledge and strategies to help students with complex needs reach their highest potential.
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
― Helen Keller, The Open Door
Challenges, as Helen Keller says, can be a daring adventure, but we can all agree that the past few months are pushing us to another level. We are all hoping that return to school will restore some semblance of normalcy, but many unknowns remain.
Nationwide, school districts are struggling with re-opening plans, and parents have many questions. Do we send our child back? Will they be safe? Is on-line education even an option for my child and our family?. Regardless, we know how stressful this is for everyone. We hope that Susan’s recent lesson, “Teaching the Whole Child”, gave you some ways to talk about this unusual time with your loved one with complex needs.
Susan and Kourtney are still engaging remotely with as many of their amazing clients as possible. Check out the blog from Zuzu’s mom Yomna (our first Egyptian clients!). Zuzu is making fantastic progress working with Kourtney over the past summer.
If you would like to set up a remote session with either Kourtney or Susan, please email kourtney@gp2c.org (we also have experience working with schools and assisting with e-learning approaches). Can we help with your school? If so, let your administrators know that Rett University is here to support your child’s team. Technology set-up, team training, IEP goals, and lesson plan development are just a few of the areas where we can assist, so call or email Kourtney@gp2c.org and let’s get started!
Monthly Blog
A Rainbow During Stormy Times
“Since Zuzu came to our world, Ramadan holy month has always been extra special and different. Since 2016, we have always been rewarded with “solutions” to Zuzu’s “case” in Ramadan… no specific reason for this except that we do really very deep prayers asking God to enlighten the right way, as making decisions for a special, challenging, non-verbal person is the hardest thing we have ever met till now… (Follow the link to read more!)
Events and Awareness
2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
This will be GP2C’s 10-year anniversary participating in the most magical weekend of the year. That’s right…registration is now open! We have a limited number of charity bibs, so make sure to reserve your spot quickly. Concerned with the current COVID-19 situation? If runDisney cancels for any reason, we will reimburse 100% of the cost of your bib. So, no risk! Want to learn more about our team and register? Go to www.gp2c.org/princess.
3rd Annual Rockin’ for Rett Huntsville – October
With so many unknowns related to COVID-19, the planning and execution of a live event has proven extremely challenging. Thus, we have made the difficult decision to replace our annual Huntsville get-together with a fantastic VIRTUAL event!
For your donation, you will receive a gift card to a local Huntsville restaurant, newsletter updating you on the girls and their families, and GP2C goodies.
Stay tuned for more details!
Fork Rett Syndrome – October
Fork Rett is a VIRTUAL event being held in honor of Evie Fowler and Evie Morris. We are all working hard, even in this challenging time, to make a difference in the lives of all those battling Rett Syndrome. Lets put a fork in Rett!
For your donation, you will receive a restaurant gift card, newsletter introducing you to the girls and their families, and GP2C goodies.
More details coming soon!
This is GP2C’s 10-year anniversary participating in the most magical weekend of the year. We have an amazing team of over 140 runners putting their feet to the pavement for those who can’t!
We are currently sold out of charity bibs, but are happy to add you to our waiting list, so please email amei@gp2c.org with the race you are interested in. To learn more about our team and our program, CLICK HERE!
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE
Donating
Our runners would appreciate your support as they train, spread awareness, and raise funds for Rett Syndrome. Want to make a donation? Check out our team or make a general donation HERE!
Volunteering
GP2C will again sponsor a booth at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo! We would love for you to volunteer and help spread awareness. The booth is open Thursday, February 18th through Saturday, February 20th.
Cheering
Visit our GP2C finish line tent at all the races (Friday – Sunday). We are always looking for supporters to cheer on our runners! This is a great way to show your support and see what the runs are all about! For more details, email amei@gp2c.org
Team Dinner
GP2C will host a super-fun team dinner on Saturday, February 20th at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress (you don’t have to be a runner to attend). Come join us for great food, music, and camaraderie!
Stay tuned for more information and volunteer/registration links!
Whether you are running with us, volunteering, coming to the dinner, or just hanging out…we can’t wait to see you!!
Do you have an upcoming birthday or special occasion? How about hosting a Facebook fundraiser to support Girl Power 2 Cure? This is a great way to spread awareness, raise funds, and support GP2C! It is as simple as 1-2-3!
1. Go to Girl Power 2 Cure’s Facebook Page
2. Select “Fundraisers” on the left menu bar
3. Select “Raise Money” to create your fundraiser
It’s that easy!
