The MECP2 Duplication Syndrome Fund will exclusively support scientific meetings and projects devoted to the study and means of treatment of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. 100% of every dollar contributed will be invested in research – not a single penny will go to overhead. The Fund puts the intellectual and scientific resources of RSRT immediately to work for the MECP2 Duplication Syndrome community.
The dramatic reversal of Rett symptoms in mice described by Adrian Bird in 2007 opened the field to questions that now must also be explored in the MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. We know that in Rett, restoration of proper MeCP2 function in mice only days away from death brought them back to health. Would elimination of the influence of excess MeCP2 in the Duplication Syndrome have a similarly dramatic effect?
The reversal experiment to be undertaken in the lab of Huda Zoghbi will cost $236,000 over 3 yrs. To date $155,000 has been raised. $81,00 to go!
RSRT supports some very unique approaches to mediating the influence of MeCP2 via the immune system or modifier genes that could be applied to the Duplication Syndrome. A relatively new technology called RNA interference, which is used to “turn off” the effect of genes implicated in diseases is yet another important tool for work on the Syndrome.
These are only a few of the potential projects that are waiting to be pursued. Projects supported by this Fund will undergo a rigorous evaluation process.
We hope that the families affected by MECP2 Duplication Syndrome and those who know and care about them will be encouraged and energized by the possibilities that are waiting to be explored with this new framework in place. Your participation and commitment are more than welcome: they are a necessity. It is your energy that will fill this new structure and determine the speed and intensity of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome research.
You can support the MECP2 Duplication Syndrome Fund through the following ways:
Instantly through PayPal
Send check or money order
Rett Syndrome Research Trust
67 Under Cliff Road
Trumbull, CT 06611
USA
(Please note in the memo line that funds should be allocated to the MECP2 Duplication Syndrome Fund.)
By credit card
Click here to make a secure online donation. (Please note in the dedication that donation should be allocated to the MECP2 Duplication Syndrome Fund.)
Wire transfer or gift of stock
Contact us for details.
Plan an Event
There is a multitude of ways to raise research funds – from a bake sale to running a marathon and everything in between. FirstGiving.com allows you to raise funds easily online. Visit their site for ideas, tools and support.
Send a Solicitation Letter
Parenting a child with a disability is a challenge. Understandably, many families do not have the time or energy to plan an event. Sending a solicitation letter to relatives/friends/colleagues/neighbors is an effective way to raise research funds without the effort involved with planning an event. Ask grandparents, uncles/aunts, godparents, close friends to also send a letter on behalf of of your child to their network. Please contact us if you would like to see sample letters.
Online Registry
Make a birthday, anniversary, wedding or any special occasion even more meaningful. Use Firstgiving.com as your online registry or contact us to order donation envelopes that you can distribute.
Corporate Matching Gifts
Your place of work may offer a matching gift program, which could more than double your donation. Please contact your Human Resource Department for details. Forms can either be mailed to us at 67 Under Cliff Road, Trumbull, CT 06611 or faxed to 203.445.9234.
Donations to the Trust are tax deductible. Our Tax ID (EIN) number is 26-0687439.
