Today was to have been the 9^th Annual Ref4Rett Event and unfortunately, due to Covid-19 and to ensure the safety of our community, we had to make the very difficult decision in the fall to cancel the 9th Annual Ref4Rett event.  We do however want to take time to reflect on past 8 events.

Ref4Rett was created after Elle was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome on October 26^th, 2012 with the purpose of raising awareness and funds to support Rett syndrome research.  Our first event was planned in just under 3 months and we were overcome with the overwhelming support that we received – it honestly was like nothing that we could have imagined.  But it also helped to confirm our conviction to continue this journey.  

Over the past 8 years we have had different celebrity appearances, including Maple Leaf Alumni and Walter Gretzky.  We have watched the Alumni play, the Timbits play and last year even hosted a Skate-a-ton.  We have handed out towels, water bottles and bags.  We have had raffles, shoot a puck to win a car and of course the signature silent auction.  However, none of these things would have been possible without the tremendous support of Todd Wood and the Paris Mounties (OHA Jr.C).   Our success also would not have been possible without the support of all of the Alumni players who helped to raise funds, the school community and all of their fundraising and awareness, all of our donors, our volunteers and to everyone from far and wide who have attended our events and supported our family.  These nights are truly magical and so memorable for us.

Over the last 8 years, Ref4Rett has been able to raise awareness about Rett syndrome and over $250,000 all which has been donated to the Ontario Rett Syndrome Association’s Hope Fund, which funds Rett syndrome research in Canada.  Although this year’s event has been canceled, rest assured that we remain true in our passion to raise awareness and funds for Rett Syndrome and hope to be back with an event in 2022!

If you are interested to learn more about our journey or to make a donation you can visit our website www.ref4rett.com.  To learn more about Rett syndrome and O.R.S.A., you can visit www.rett.ca .