Small’s daughter Sophia has the Rett Syndrome genetic disease. This disease is the most physically disabling of the Autism spectrum disorders, primarily affects girls, and strikes kids that develop total fine until 18 months of age.
As the symptoms of Rett Syndrome arrive, a child loses acquired skills, normal movement and speech, then begins the long regression that may leave her in a wheelchair, unable to communicate or even use her hands.
Historically, this disease was believed to be incurable. However, in 2007, a paper in the journal Science described an unprecedented achievement:
On April 26th Jim and his wife Audra and are hosting the “Second Chance for Sophia: Reversing Rett Syndrome” fundraiser in Scottsdale.
They’ve decided to make the fundraiser a fun event where guests will enjoy an evening sampling great food from enjoy Pita Jungle, YC's Mongolian Grill, Sauce & other delicious local restaurants. Guests will sip unique wines donated by Postinos, while bidding on donated silent auction prizes ranging from $20 up to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the South of France.
Small is contributing to this event by donating his company’s marketing budget and client contacts to promote the event as well as contributing over 100,000 frequent flier miles he’s earned while on business to help make this fundraiser a huge success. Small has also utilized his contacts to obtain Company Nurse®, Arrowhead Health® and Power Toyota® as headline event sponsors.
Says RSRT Founder Monica Coenraads, “In charitable organization has had really successful fundraising events in Los Angeles, Boston, New York & London. So we’re really excited to add Arizona to this list of event cities that will fund cutting edge science to help us find a cure for these precious children suffering with Rett Syndrome.”
Rett Syndrome Research Trust can be found on the world wide web at www.rsrt.org. Event details can be found at http://www.rsrt.org/
RSRT Key Facts:
Launched: September 2008
Committed to Research: $8 million
Percentage of funds spent on research: 96%
Contact: Monica Coenraads
Address: 67 Under Cliff Rd, Trumbull, CT 06611
Phone: (203) 445-0041
Email: monica@rsrt.org
URL: http://www.rsrt.org
Event URL: http://www.rsrt.org/
