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Contact the FoundationAs our 501(c)3 non profit organization is getting started, we would greatly appreciate you contact us via e-mail. We expect to have a phone line exclusively for the Ella Foard Foundation soon. If necessary, John can be reached at his Concord office: Phone: 704-795-0230 ask for John Foard Fax: 704-795-0233
Help Us Cure Rett SyndromeAll Donations go toward the research for a cure.
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Foundation Store | Auction Items Our mission is to help the families enduring Rett Syndrome, and assist in finding a cure.
Our BeliefsA cure for Rett Syndrome is within reach and that the treatments for symptoms of Rett Syndrome may be available much sooner.
Our Purpose
Our Passion for InvolvementOur daughter, Ella, was diagnosed with this disorder on January 10, 2008. Instead of living life like it was over for John, his wife Nalisha, and the rest of their families, they decided to live life with the purpose of making a difference. John and his wife Nalisha helped establish the Ella Foard Foundation for Rett Syndrome with other families to do just that. We had all the right milestones: her first crawl, her first word, her first step, but soon things slowly began changing. Ella would prefer to stand alone and rock back-and -forth for hours while her sister and cousins played right beside her. Ella didn’t say the typical 2-3 toddler phrases, but instead would revert to nonverbal cues to communicate. Regardless of how fast we would spin Ella in our arms, she didn’t hold on tight.
What is Rett Syndrome?Rett syndrome is a unique developmental disorder that is first recognized in infancy and seen almost always in girls, but can be rarely seen in boys. Rett syndrome has been most often misdiagnosed as autism, cerebral palsy, or non-specific developmental delay Rett syndrome is caused by mutations on the X chromosome on a gene called MECP2. There are more than 200 different mutations found on the MECP2 gene. Most of these mutations are found in eight different “hot spots.” Rett syndrome strikes all racial and ethnic groups, and occurs worldwide in 1 of every 10,000 to 23,000 female births. Rett syndrome is a developmental disorder. It is not a degenerative disorder. Rett syndrome causes problems in brain function that are responsible for cognitive, sensory, emotional, motor and autonomic function. These can include learning, speech, sensory sensations, mood, movement, breathing, cardiac function, and even chewing, swallowing, and digestion. Rett syndrome symptoms appear after an early period of apparently normal or near normal development until six to eighteen months of life, when there is a slowing down or stagnation of skills. A period of regression then follows when she loses communication skills and purposeful use of her hands. Soon, stereotyped hand movements such as handwashing, gait disturbances, and slowing of the normal rate of head growth become apparent. Other problems may include seizures and disorganized breathing patterns while she is awake. In the early years, there may be a period of isolation or withdrawal when she is irritable and cries inconsolably. Over time, motor problems may increase, but in general, irritability lessens and eye contact and communication improve. Rett syndrome is confirmed with a simple blood test to identify the MECP2 mutation. However, since the MECP2 mutation is also seen in other disorders, the presence of the MECP2 mutation in itself is not enough for the diagnosis of Rett syndrome. Diagnosis requires either the presence of the mutation (a molecular diagnosis) or fulfillment of the diagnostic criteria (a clinical diagnosis, based on signs and symptoms that you can observe) or both. Rett syndrome can present with a wide range of disability ranging from mild to severe. The course and severity of Rett syndrome is determined by the location, type and severity of her mutation and X-inactivation. Therefore, two girls of the same age with the same mutation can appear quite different. Rett syndrome presents many challenges, but with love, therapy and assistance, those with the syndrome can benefit from school and community activities well into middle age and beyond. They experience a full range of emotions and show their engaging personalities as they take part in social, educational, and recreational activities at home and in the community. Source: http://www.rettsyndrome.org |
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