Girl Power 2 Cure
#RiseAboveRett in 2020!
2020 is quickly coming to an end (some may say none too soon). We are occasionally asked about our decisions to continue fundraising in these tumultuous times, given COVID-19, a tenuous economy and associated impacts, and of course the nationwide unrest we all observe these days. Here is my response:
While we certainly acknowledge the pandemic impact and many other issues, we have also observed a strong resolve from our community to continue the important work of curing this terrible disease and supporting the families who bravely fight every day. As the grandfather of a beautiful 9-year-old girl with Rett Syndrome, I feel it to be imperative that our mission press forward.
Why? Because tomorrow 350,000 people around the world will awaken with Rett Syndrome. Statistically, 16 more families will receive a crushing, life-altering diagnosis. Of these boys, girls, and women, almost all will be lifted from their bed by a parent or caretaker. They will spend yet another day without the ability to speak or walk or use their hands with any purpose. They will wear diapers, endure anxiety attacks, suffer multiple seizures, and struggle to simply breathe. A mother, father, brother, or sister will feed them every meal (many will be fed by g-tube because they cannot chew or swallow). They will again spend another day trapped in their own bodies, without the ability to communicate or express even the simplest of needs. And this will be their fate for their entire life on this earth, notwithstanding a cure.
So, while some may be critical, we press on. Rett Syndrome gives us a completely different perspective. Hope is what drives these families, and what drives us. We believe that people will donate because we see it every day. Just tell the story… tell your story. You will be surprised and perhaps encouraged by how people react.
As we approach the season of giving, please remember Girl Power 2 Cure and Rett University, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. As in past years, our Power of Your Gift Campaign will align with national Giving Tuesday on December 1st and throughout the month of December. Be on the lookout for additional announcements over the coming days, including our donation web links.
We also encourage you to take advantage of the power of your networks – your personal outreach is a compelling tool that connects friends and family to your personal story and to the mission of GP2C. In addition to our “POYG” donation sites, we will also provide customized Facebook Fundraiser templates. If you are willing, please consider sponsoring a Facebook Fundraiser, Garden of Hope, or another event to close 2020 and help us #RiseAboveRett!
Thanks… and Happy Thanksgiving!
#GP2C #HopeInAction #RiseAboveRett
November Raffle!
The Girl Power 2 Cure November giveaway is a GP2C Holiday Bundle! The bundle includes three beautiful ornaments and a pack of ten note cards!
Family Support
Rett Sister, Volunteer, Entrepreneur Extraordinaire!
When school let out for summer, 12-year-old Carly and her friends found themselves wanting to find something to occupy their time. After some brainstorming, they decided to do a bake sale in honor of Carly’s sister Brooklyn, who has Rett Syndrome. The three girls didn’t think that it would be fair to ask their parents to help financially, so they pooled their allowances to purchase supplies! Click below to read the entire blog!
Read More Here!
Rett University
Empowering parents, educators, and therapists with the knowledge and strategies to help students with complex needs reach their highest potential.
“Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate, and to humble.” Yehuda Berg
Welcome to another busy month for Susan and Kourtney as they continue to virtually “travel” the world and the US! Our greatest joy is seeing the progress our clients are making, as well as meeting new families. Please reach out to Kourtney@GP2C.org if you would like to set up a Rett U consult, or if your education team needs support!
Susan and Kourtney will host another monthly Rett U Web Chat on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at 8:00 PM EST. This month’s topic will be “What is the primary goal both at school and home for our loved ones with complex needs?” This topic follows nicely with our last session on “Communication Partners”. If you missed it, catch up here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Roknye9wqKE .
In this month’s Rett U Blog, Kourtney deals with the importance of team decisions for those with complex needs. As a former special needs teacher, as well as a Rett sibling, Kourtney brings a unique perspective from someone who has sat on both sides of the table. Check out the blog below!
Read More Here!
Upcoming Sale
Mark your calendars and get ready for our Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale! From Friday 11/27 through Monday 11/30, we will offer 25% off all merchandise and Rett University courses! Check this link and shop till you drop!
Events and Awareness
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!
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!
Belk Charity Days – November 13-15th
Join us for the Belk Charity Sale Friday through Sunday, November 13-15 both in stores and online! Simply purchase a $5 ticket and in return, you get a $10 Belk coupon to use on ANYTHING (no brand exclusions). You will also have access to 25% off rarely discounted designer brands, 40% off select Belk exclusive brands, and 20% off regular-priced beauty items!
How it works:
1. Purchase a $5 ticket at:
https://pages.donately.com/girlpower2cure/campaign/belk-charity-day-november-2020
2. Shop online or in your local Belk store between November 13-15th
3. Enjoy the amazing discounts
Belk started the Charity Sale in 2012 and has contributed more than $50 million in donations to over 6,000 nonprofits across the South.
Rett Crusader Virtual Run
Would you like to join a dynamic team of passionate runners/walkers to make a difference in the lives of all of those battling Rett Syndrome? Well, come join us for the Rett Crusader Virtual Run, February 18 – 20, 2021! With runDisney converting the 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Race Weekend into a virtual run, we have a great opportunity to support our current Disney Princess team and run or walk “alongside” them virtually.
Choose the distance you want to complete in your community, gym, or treadmill over the weekend of February 18 – 20, 2021 (the same weekend that runDisney is holding their virtual run).
For your $35 registration, you will receive a custom team medal, race shirt, and some swag from Girl Power 2 Cure (fundraising minimum must be met). We know times are tough, but we have tools and ideas to help! We will build your personal fundraising page where you can tell your story of why you are running, add photos, and even videos. This is a great tool to share with your network! We also have lots of great fundraising ideas to help meet your goal including Facebook fundraisers, virtual dinners, or growing a Garden of Hope.
We hope you will join us as we work hard to make a difference in the daily lives of Rett families and ultimately for a Rett Syndrome cure.
Register Here!
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!
