This October, during Rett Syndrome Awareness Month, I’m training for a half marathon to raise $20,000 for Rett Syndrome support.

Last year, our friends and family came together and raised more than $17,000 for Rett Angels in honor of Julia.

This year, I think we can beat it.

I’ll spend October training and fundraising throughout Grafton, MA, leading up to race day on November 8, when I’ll run the Upton Half Marathon Trail Race.

Meet Julia

Julia is 5 years old and full of personality. She loves music, Gabby’s Dollhouse, swimming, riding horses, and using her iPad to ask for her favorite treats. She makes us laugh every day and has a way of lighting up every room she’s in.

Julia also lives with Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that has taken away many of the things most of us take for granted. She is unable to speak and has limited use of her hands and body.

But Rett does not define Julia.

She works incredibly hard every single day to communicate, move, play, learn, and connect with the people around her. She faces challenges most of us could never imagine, and she does it with a toughness, determination, and strength that inspire our family every day.

What Is Rett Syndrome?

Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder, most often caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene and primarily affecting girls. It typically appears in early childhood and can lead to the loss of speech, purposeful hand use, mobility, and other motor skills.

There is currently no cure.

But there is real progress happening across the Rett community, from better therapies and support to promising research aimed at improving the lives of those living with Rett Syndrome.

For families like ours, that progress — and the support of a strong community — means everything.

The Race

Throughout October, I’ll be training and raising money as part of Rett Syndrome Awareness Month.

Then, on Sunday, November 8, I’ll run the Upton Half Marathon Trail Race in Upton State Forest.

I’ll be sharing my training, Rett awareness, and updates about Julia throughout October, leading all the way up to race day. You can follow along on Instagram at @Jstinson32.

How to Donate

You can support the fundraiser by making a donation directly here on GoFundMe.

Any amount makes a difference. Whether it’s $10, $50, $100, or more, every contribution helps support families raising children with Rett Syndrome.

If you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser is just as meaningful. The more people who learn about Rett Syndrome, the bigger the community supporting these kids and their families becomes.

Where Your Money Goes

100% of the funds raised will go directly to Rett Angels.

Rett Angels is focused on supporting families whose children are living with Rett Syndrome — providing resources, guidance, community, and financial assistance when families need it most.

A Rett diagnosis impacts the entire family. It can mean specialized equipment, therapies, travel for care, accessibility needs, and countless other challenges that can quickly become overwhelming.

Rett Angels helps families navigate those realities and makes sure they don’t have to face them alone.

That support has a direct and meaningful impact on families like ours.

Our Goal: $20,000

Last year, we raised more than $17,000.

This year, let’s beat it.

Every dollar going to Rett Angels to help support families navigating life with Rett Syndrome.

Whether a donation helps a family access needed equipment, manage an unexpected expense, find resources, or simply feel supported by a community that understands what they’re going through, every contribution matters.

Get Involved

Donate. Share the fundraiser with friends, family, coworkers, and your community. Follow @Jstinson32 throughout October for updates leading up to race day.

Thank you for supporting this cause, this race, the Rett community, and most importantly, our amazing little girl.