IEA Zone 11 Ride for Rett Syndrome

Hi everyone! My name is Lizzy Mueller and I am the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Zone 11 Youthboard Representative! This season within Zone 11, valuable and important members of our Zone 11 family suffered a devastating loss of their daughter, Sydney. Sydney sadly passed away due to Rett Syndrome.

“Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls, more rarely in boys, and leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the child’s life: their ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe easily. The hallmark of Rett syndrome is near constant repetitive hand movements. Rett syndrome is usually recognized in children between 6 to 18 months as they begin to miss developmental milestones or lose abilities they had gained.

Rett syndrome is caused by mutations on the X chromosome on a gene called MECP2. There are more than 900 different mutations found on the MECP2 gene, most found in eight different “hot spots.” Rett syndrome is not a degenerative disorder with individuals living to middle age or beyond. Rett syndrome occurs worldwide in 1 of every 10,000 female births and is even rarer in boys. 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 the mutation and X-inactivation.” -International Rett Syndrome Foundation

Apart of this fundraiser, I have been traveling to shows within our zone and raising money for Rett Syndrome Research. I have also been selling Rett Syndrome Awareness lapel ribbons for trainers, spectators, and riders. I plan on taking this fundraiser all the way to IEA National’s at Tryon, NC.

I have started with a goal of raising $2,000, having already raised about $300. However, the ultimate goal is to reach $5,000 by IEA Nationals (April 25)! All money raised is donated to the Rett Syndrome Research Trust in Sydney’s name. Thank you to all supporters!