Julia’s Rett Run 200

This October, during Rett Syndrome Awareness Month, I’m running 200 miles through my hometown, Grafton, MA, to raise $20,000 for Rett Syndrome research. I’m doing this for my daughter Julia, and for the 450,000 kids like her around the world who are fighting this terrible disorder.

Meet Julia

Julia is 4 years old and full of personality. She loves music, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and using her iPad to ask for sweet treats. She makes us laugh every day and lights up every room she’s in.

Julia also lives with Rett Syndrome, a rare and devastating neurological disorder that strikes in early childhood. It stole her ability to speak, use her hands, and move freely. Rett traps bright, curious minds in bodies that won’t cooperate.

She works incredibly hard every day to do the things most of us take for granted, like making eye contact, choosing a toy, and telling us what she wants. But she does it all with determination and strength that inspires this run and everyone who knows her.

What Is Rett Syndrome?

Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that primarily affects girls, caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene. It appears in early childhood and leads to the loss of motor skills, speech, and purposeful hand use. Most children with Rett are unable to speak or walk, but they remain cognitively aware, locked inside bodies that can’t respond.

Rett affects an estimated 1 in 10,000 girls worldwide. There is no cure, yet. But promising research is underway, and your support helps push that.

‍The Run

The goal is to run 200 miles by October 31st, in honor of Julia and every child living with Rett Syndrome.

I’ll be running throughout Grafton, MA and posting daily updates. Follow along on Instagram at @Jstinson32.

How to Donate

You can support Julia’s Rett Run 200 in a few ways:

Make a Flat Donation:

Donate any amount directly here on GoFundMe — quick and easy. Every dollar helps accelerate research and support families living with Rett.

Double Your Gift!

Make a donation now — and commit to matching it if I complete all 200 miles by the end of October.

To make a match:

➡️Leave a comment below “I’m in for matching!”

➡️I'll follow up at the end of the month if I hit the 200 mile goal.

Where Your Money Goes

100% of all funds raised will go directly to Rett Angels — a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating Rett Syndrome research and supporting families affected by the disease. Rett Angels helps fund cutting-edge clinical trials and promising therapies that could change the future for kids like Julia.

Our Goal: $20,000 for Rett

Here’s how your donation can make an impact:

Get Involved!

Thank you so much for supporting this cause, this effort, and our amazing little girl.