Team GP2C for Rett Syndrome - 116 Run for Girls Who Can't

March 1, 2013 - PRLog -- How do you show your support for girls stricken with a disorder that robs them of the ability to run?

You run for them.

That’s just what Girl Power 2 Cure’s team of 116 runners did Feb. 24 at the Disney Princess Half Marathon in Orlando. The team raised close to a quarter of a million dollars in support of the Amelia Island-based 501c3 nonprofit’s mission to end Rett Syndrome, more than doubling its goal.

Team GP2C included runners from all over the country – many of them the family, friends and caretakers of Rett Girls. Ali Vincent, Season 5 winner of NBC’s hit show "Biggest Loser," also ran with the team.

Girl Power 2 Cure’s mission is to raise awareness about Rett Syndrome, fund research, and support the families of Rett girls.

The devastating neurological disorder affects females almost exclusively,  striking seemingly healthy girls between the age of 1 and 3. Rett Syndrome is as prevalent as Cystic Fibrosis and ALS, and is caused by a single gene mutation that stalls the production of a critical brain protein.  The result: Rett girls typically can’t walk, talk or use their hands. They need full-time care with many relying on feeding tubes. Rett girls are prone to complications including seizures, scoliosis, and sudden death in their sleep. The good news: Research has shown they can understand and learn, despite their limited ability to communicate.

What drives Team GP2C? Rett Syndrome is reversible. It is poised to be the first curable neurological disorder. In the lab, scientists have proven that symptoms disappear when their stalled protein levels return to normal. Many believe the cure for Rett will be a stepping stone to cures for autism and other neurological disorders.

Participation in the Disney Princess Half Marathon is Girl Power 2 Cure’s largest annual fundraising campaign. The nonprofit also works with schools to host “Dress Up 2 Cure” (http://www.dressup2cure.org) days and “Gardens of Hope” (http://www.mygardenofhope.org). Other runs and events are hosted in support of GP2C throughout the country each year.

You can learn more about Girl Power 2 Cure, read about its fundraising opportunities and sign up to run with the team in 2014 at http://www.girlpower2cure.org.