CO-HOSTED BY MIDWEST RETT SYNDROME FOUNDATION
The International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF), known today as Rettsyndrome.org,
is the leading research and family empowerment organization for Rett syndrome. We’re
on a mission to transform the lives of all those affected by Rett syndrome by accelerating
research toward treatment and a cure for Rett syndrome while empowering families with
the information, programs, and services they need to thrive.
Rett syndrome is a complex neurological disorder caused by a gene mutation on the
X chromosome.
Thank you for joining us for our inaugural Raise a Glass Against Rett: Virtual Gala on
Saturday, October 24th. We believe you will be moved and inspired by stories from
our community, our research update, and leadership at Rettsyndrome.org.
We are so very thankful for our sponsors, guests and donors for making this event a
true success already. Our families are facing new and unprecedented challenges due to
COVID-19 such as the loss of therapies, one-on-one support at school and home, and
the concern over maintaining doctor visits. These add to the daily burden of caring for
someone with severe special needs. The need for our educational programming and
support services has never been greater. At the same time, the urgency remains for
research to move toward an FDA-approved treatment for Rett syndrome.
Rett syndrome doesn’t stop. You’ll see in tonight’s program that neither do we.
We can create a world without Rett. Enjoy this evening and stay tuned to the end when,
together, we raise our glasses against Rett syndrome!
Your help is our HOPE!
With gratitude,
The Team at Rettsyndrome.org & Event Chairs
The Henslin Family The Morlandt Family
Kathryn & Luke Kissam Robert Counihan
Andrew Meehan The Midwest Rett Syndrome Foundation
cheers!
PRESENTING SPONSOR
In the future,
the heroes among us
will shine.
One fine day, there will be a world with no Rett syndrome.
People will ask, “How did we do that?”
The answer will be obvious.
Vision. Passion. Curiosity. Determination.
Imagination. Compassion. Giving.
Tonight we celebrate the heroes among us who have chosen to
act to make the future brighter. We celebrate the families affected
by Rett syndrome and their determination to make a difference.
Most of all, we celebrate the brave individuals affected by
Rett syndrome, who have taught us the most of all.
Thank you for choosing the hero’s path.
Kathryn, Luke, Cole, Henry and Griffin Kissam
This page is dedicated to our personal hero, Dr. Carolyn Schanen.
Thank you for introducing us to the world of Rett syndrome.
We love you.
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Making
communities
stronger
To us, communities aren’t just places on a map Member FDIC
— they’re the places we call home. Where
we grew up, where we live and work. Where
we feel safe, welcome, and like we’re part of
something special.
They’re part of who we are, and we’re proud
to support the Raise a Glass Against Rett
Virtual Gala.
bremer.com
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GORDY AND ANNE RICH
ARE PROUD TO BE
PLATINUM SPONSORS OF THE
RAISE A GLASS AGAINST RETT VIRTUAL GALA
IN HONOR OF THEIR DAUGHTER KELLY
AND THE MANY OTHERS WHO
BATTLE RETT EACH DAY.
PLATINUM SPONSOR
RAISE – verb
1. Lift or move to a higher level
“She raised both arms above her head and cheered.”
2. I ncrease the level or strength of
“Together, they raised enough research money
to cure Rett syndrome.”
RAISE… A HAND Tonight, we raise our glass to you – those
A VOICE among us who choose to care to make a
A FAMILY difference for the families affected by Rett
A DOLLAR syndrome. Mostly, we salute the individuals
A GLASS! and families who preserve every single day.
IT ALL MATTERS!
Cheers!
~ Mark & Rachel Rohr
PLATINUM SPONSOR
WE ARE HONORED
TO JOIN THE VIRTUAL GALA
AS PLATINUM SPONSORS
IN HONOR OF OUR GRANDDAUGHTER,
CATALINA, AND HER MOTHER
DR. DOMINIQUE PICHARD.
~Dr. Gus Pichard and
Ms. Nancy Prendergast
GOLD SPONSORS
MANAGEMENT We are proud to be a
Gold sponsor of the
Commercial Real Estate Raise a Glass Virtual Gala
benefitting Rettsyndrome.org
Learn more at: wellingtonmgt.com
ERNST & YOUNG GOLD SPONSORS
IS HONORED TO BE
A GOLD SPONSOR OF
THE RAISE A GLASS
VIRTUAL GALA
BENEFITTING
RETTSYNDROME.ORG
IN HONOR OF
RILEY BLESKE.
WE MOVE IN ONE DIRECTION
FORWARD.
Winthrop & Weinstine is proud to support the International Rett Syndrome
Foundation in its mission to accelerate research to cure Rett syndrome and
empower families with information, knowledge, and connectivity.
Raising a glass tonight in honor of all GOLD SPONSORS
those living with Rett syndrome.
It is a privilege to serve beside parents who work
tirelessly every day on behalf of the Rett community.
Here’s to Katie, Macy, Catalina and Ella!
~Melissa & John Kennedy
StrideBio is honored
to be a Gold sponsor of the
Raise a Glass Virtual Gala
benefitting Rettsyndrome.org
in honor of all those who bravely
battle Rett syndrome each day.
SILVER SPONSORS
THE DAHMS FAMILY
IS EXCITED TO BE
A SILVER SPONSOR
IN HONOR OF THEIR
DAUGHTER, BENNETT!
Megan’s Care, Inc.
is honored to join as a
Silver Sponsor in honor of
Megan and the many others
who bravely battle Rett
syndrome each day.
We’re honored to sponsor this SILVER SPONSOR
event in support of the work of
Rettsyndrome.org.
This is for you, Willa James, and all other individuals
and families with Rett Syndrome in their lives.
– Krista Seidl + Robert Domol
M&Daimedvdiaae
BRONZE SPONSORS
We are thrilled to be a part
of the host committee and a
Bronze Sponsor of this Virtual Gala
in honor of our daughter,
Luisa Morlandt, whose birthday
is taking place tonight!
We love you Luisa!
Ronald and Cathy Peace
(Papi and YaYa) are thrilled to be
Bronze Sponsors in honor
of their granddaughter,
Gabriella Peace.
BRONZE SPONSORS
We are honored to be a part of the
event committee as we work to
find a cure for Rett for our sister,
Megan, and the many others who
battle Rett syndrome each day.
~Robert Counihan &
Maura Bonnani
Home | Auto | Business |
Life | Health
Chad Parr, No Ordinary Realtor Options Insurance is
is proud to be a Bronze Sponsor excited to be a bronze
of the Raise a Glass Virtual Gala sponsor of the Raise a
benefitting Rettsyndrome.org Glass Virtual Gala
in honor of Riley Bleske. benefitting
Rettsyndrome.org
Tom Wertish
952.392.9508
[email protected]
Pear Associates is proud BRONZE SPONSORS
to be a bronze sponsor
of the Raise a Glass Virtual Gala
benefitting Rettsyndrome.org
HELPING NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS BECOME MORE FRUITFUL. The Metsky Family is proud
to be a Bronze Sponsor of the
pearassociates.com • [email protected] • 978.298.2660 Raise a Glass Virtual Gala benefitting
Rettsyndrome.org in honor
of Luisa Morlandt.
The Wyatt family is proud and
excited to be a Bronze Sponsor
in honor of Tanith Rose, their
2-year-old daughter & granddaughter,
along with the many others who
battle Rett syndrome each day.”
~ Alysson, Katherine,
Martin & Jacque Wyatt
FAMILY SPONSORS
FAMILY SPONSORS
Mitch & Erin Bleske Kirby Hopkins
In Honor of Riley Bleske In Honor of a loved one with Rett
The Williamson Family The Cyriac Family
In Honor of Riley Bleske In Honor of Luisa Morlandt
Sam & Denay Hooks Judith Landin
In Honor of Hannah Hooks In honor of Ali Long
Brian Stousland & Myron Landin
In Honor of Riley Bleske Travis & Kristin Hoaglund
In Honor of Riley Bleske
IN KIND SPONSORS
IN KIND SPONSORS
ADDITIONAL SPECIAL THANKS TO
• BZMS Events • TriVision Studios • kkdezign
LEADERSHIP FROM RETTSYNDROME.ORG
• Melissa Kennedy, Executive Director
• Dr. Dominique Pichard, Chief Science Officer
• Jackie Ventura, Family Development Manager
• Tim Frank, Marketing & Communications Director
EVENT COMMITTEE • T he Henslin Family
• Robert Counihan
• The Morlandt Family • T he Midwest Rett Syndrome Foundation
• Kathryn & Luke Kissam
• Andrew Meehan (Emcee)
Thank you!