Dear Friends,

On Saturday August 5, Jessica Brunner and Anna Guess co-hosted our 3rd Annual “Spike Rett” fundraiser and volleyball tournament at Kurt’s on Main.  We were able to raise an incredible $13,000 for IRSA (International Rett Syndrome Association).   All money goes directly to fund a cure for Rett Syndrome and to support families living with Rett Syndrome.  We are very thankful to all the sponsors, volunteers, friends, co-workers and volleyball players that helped make the day a huge success.  There was even a visit by Newscene 15 and a nice story still available at: http://nbc15.madison.com/home/headlines/3500976.html

Energetic volunteers that deserve thanks and a beverage of their choice next time you see them out include: Deb Gudel, Cheryl Theis, Mary Roessler, Paul Brunner, Laurie Ballweg, Kurt Schlicht, Erica Schlicht, Kathy Jo Johnson, Kristi Campbell, Pam Guess, Adam Guess, Mike Modica, Steve Roth, Craig Hanson, Todd Endres, Mitch Lange, Larry Esser, Angel Erickson,  and Dee Ziegler.  All those that attended, sponsored, donated or played volleyball also deserve a sincere Thank You for contributing to a wonderful day and meaningful result. 

The day was incredibly “special” in every sense of the word.  Below is an excerpt from an essay shared by a grandparent of a young girl with Rett Syndrome.  Often times we think only of the limitations that kids and adults with “special” needs have.  As you read on think of the gifts that these individuals give, when we are open to receiving.  While we would give anything to have Rett Syndrome cured, we are proud of the impact Jessica and Anna have on our community.  

• I am the child who cannot talk.  You often pity me.  I see it in your eyes. You wonder how much I am aware of…I see that as well.  I am aware of much…whether you are happy or sad or fearful, patient or impatient, full of love and desire, or if you are just doing your duty by me.  I marvel at your frustration, knowing mine to be far greater, for I cannot express myself or my needs as you do.  You cannot conceive my isolation, so complete it is at times.  I do not gift you with clever conversation, cute remarks to be laughed over and repeated. I do not give you answers to your everyday questions, responses over my well being, sharing my needs, or comments about the world around me.  I do not gift you with clever conversation, cute remarks to be laughed over and repeated.  I do not give you answers to your everyday questions, responses over my well being, sharing my needs or comments about the world around me.  I do not give you rewards as defined by the world’s standards…great strides in development that you can credit yourself.  I do not give you understanding as you know it.  What I give you is so much more valuable…I give you instead opportunity.  Opportunity to discover the depth of your character, not mine; the depth of your love, your commitment, your patience, your abilities; the opportunity to explore your spirit more deeply than you imagined possible.  I drive you further then would ever do on your own, working harder, seeking answers to many questions, creating questions with no answers.  I am the child who cannot talk.
•  I am the child who is mentally impaired.  I don’t learn easily, if you judge me by the world’s measuring stick.  What I do know is infinite joy in the simple things.  I am not burdened as you are with stress and conflicts of a more complicated life.  My gift to you is to grant you the freedom to enjoy things as a child, to teach you how much your arms around me mean, to give you love.  I give you the gift of simplicity.  I am the child who is mentally impaired.
• I am the disabled child.  I am your teacher.  If you allow me.  I will teach you what is really important in life.  I will give and teach you unconditional love.  I gift you with the innocent trust, my dependency upon you.  I teach you respect for others and their uniqueness.  I teach you about the sanctity of life.  I teach you about forgetting about your own needs and desires and dreams.  I teach you giving. Most of all, I teach you hope and faith.  I am the disabled child.

Please mark Saturday August 4, 2007 on your calendars for our 4^th Annual “Spike Rett” fundraiser and volleyball tournament at Kurt’s on Main.  For more information on Rett Syndrome visit: www.rettsyndrome.org.   For updates and more information on our fundraiser visit:  http://spikerett.bravehost.com/.  Our deepest Thanks to all.

Sincerely,

Doug, Paula, Jonah and Jessica Brunner