Hi! My name is Dottie. I was diagnosed with Rett syndrome in April 2025. I’m not going to let this slow me down!! I’m a fighter. I know my support system has my back too! When you see me, you better be ready to smile, laugh, and have the time of your life. Because I’m gonna have fun no matter what!! My parents need some help with medical expenses. Durable medical equipment is difficult to get approved by medical insurance, and I need a wheelchair and activity chair. More will certainly come, but those are my priorities. Also, when I spent two weeks in the hospital, the medical bills stacked up. My parents would be grateful for any help.

Rett syndrome is a rare and devastating neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts nearly every aspect of an individual’s life, including their ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe. It is caused by a mutation on the X chromosome in a gene called MECP2. Every individual with Rett is unique, and so are their symptoms, which can include near-constant repetitive hand movements, seizures, scoliosis, digestive problems, and breathing issues. Symptoms can begin as early as 6 months old when parents begin to see their child miss developmental milestones and lose abilities they had already gained.