The Rett Syndrome Research Trust hosts the 3rd Annual Reverse Rett Chicago Gala, May 25

    CHICAGO, IL, April 25, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Rett Syndrome Research Trust (RSRT) will host its third annual Reverse Rett Chicago Gala 6 p.m. Thursday, May 25 at Galleria Marchetti (825 West Erie Street, Chicago, IL). Since its launch in 2015, this event has raised more than $500,000 to advance scientific research aimed at reversing the devastating effects of Rett Syndrome, a developmental neurological disorder affecting more than 350,000 people.

The price of the event is $175 for individual tickets and $100 for Rett parents and young professionals (guests 30 years old and younger). For sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tables, visit https://reverserett.org/take-action/events/reverse-rett-chicago-2017/.

Rett Syndrome is a serious lifelong neurological disorder that is caused by random mutations in a gene called MECP2. Diagnosed almost exclusively in girls, symptoms typically appear in toddlerhood. Many children with Rett are unable to speak, walk or use their hands. Breathing problems, feeding tubes, seizures, anxiety, gastrointestinal and orthopedic issues are common.

Inspired by his sister Marissa Zelinger, who has suffered from Rett Syndrome her whole life, Brad Zelinger of Deerfield, Illinois, along with his parents Caryn and Allan, serve as co-chairs of the Reverse Rett Chicago Gala to raise awareness and funds for RSRT. In the past two years, the Zelinger family's efforts raised more than $500,000 for RSRT's research in finding treatments and ultimately, a cure for Rett Syndrome.

Funds generated from this event are crucial to making it possible for RSRT to carry out Roadmap to a Cure, a three year, $33 million strategic research plan that prioritizes projects such as gene therapy that target the root cause of Rett. RSRT's goal is to make Rett the first neurological disorder to be cured.

RSRT encourages the public to offer its generous support of this promising and exciting cause. Last year, 350 guests attended Reverse Rett Chicago for a meaningful night of socializing, fun and fighting Rett. In addition to an open bar with cocktails and craft beer and small plates from Ruth's Chris, Nando's Peri Peri, Taco Joint, Pete Miller's, Federales, Cooper's Hawk, Panino's Pizzeria, Papa Joe's, Villa Bernetti, Frost Gelato, Bittersweet Pastry Shop, Gail's Brownies, Eli's Cheesecake, and Catered by Design, there will be jazz music and an auction with prizes including Chicago sports tickets, hotel stays, restaurants, experiences and more.

For more information about the event, follow Reverse Rett Chicago Gala on Facebook.

For those who cannot attend but would still like to donate to RSRT's cause, donate online with a credit card at www.ReverseRett.org/Chicago or make checks payable to Rett Syndrome Research Trust (67 Under Cliff Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; 203-445-0041).

About Rett Syndrome Research Trust
The Rett Syndrome Research Trust (RSRT) was launched in 2008 to drive research toward a cure for Rett Syndrome and related MECP2 disorders. Its mission is urgent: 15,000 girls and women in the United States and 350,000 globally live with the agonizing symptoms of Rett Syndrome.

RSRT funds more research than any other Rett organization in the United States and abroad. Since 2008, RSRT has awarded $42 million to research. An average of ninety-six percent of every dollar donated to RSRT goes directly to its research program. Keeping its internal team lean and fiercely motivated allows RSRT to focus funds and energy on what matters most: healing these children as quickly as possible.

As one of the few neurological disorders to show dramatic symptom reversal in mice, Rett Syndrome has attracted unprecedented interest from university and pharmaceutical scientists. Through innovative research and constant engagement with scientists, clinicians, industry, investors and affected families, RSRT is at the epicenter of this activity.

RSRT does more than just write checks: it is changing the landscape of Rett research. RSRT sets the research agenda by proactively identifying and monitoring promising therapeutic areas, seeking out scientific and industry partnerships and working closely with them to advance programs through the drug development pipeline. RSRT is an organization of risk takers who do not shy away from bold and innovative projects unlikely to be funded by the NIH or other more conventional funding agencies.

RSRT believes Rett Syndrome can be cured, but time matters. A rigorous, coordinated, and agile research agenda makes it possible to reach this goal sooner. The ultimate goal is for Rett Syndrome and related illnesses to become obsolete - by finding a cure. Learn more about RSRT at reverserett.org. Like on Facebook and follow news on Twitter.

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