Girl Power 2 Cure Establishes A Professional Advisory Board

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. - June 5, 2013 - PRLog -- Girl Power 2 Cure (http://www.girlpower2cure.org) is proud to announce its newly-formed Professional Advisory Board, a panel of experts from select fields who have pledged their support of the quest to end Rett Syndrome.

The board consists of medical professionals as well as legal, marketing and fundraising experts who will advise and assist GP2C in its mission to raise awareness, support families and fund research for Rett, a debilitating neurological disorder.

After seeking advice from several of these experts informally over the years, GP2C Executive Director Ingrid Harding said forming a PAB is the “perfect next step” for the organization.

“Over our seven-year history, we have had the good fortune of working with some amazing professionals who have lent an ear, given advice, or connected us to that perfect resource,” she said. “We count on them for their guidance as we grow and tackle many different projects.”

She said the board will play a major role in GP2C’s future.

“Their involvement will have a direct impact in the quality of our work.”

The board members include:

•  Dr. Dominique Pichard Coloton, a physician trained in internal medicine, pediatrics and dermatology

•  Dr. Allison Foley, an internal medicine physician also specializing in health information technology

•  Dr. Tina Garby, a psychologist focused on family support

•  Leah Muhlenfeld, an expert in marketing and brand development

•  Will Rabke, an attorney focused on mergers and acquisitions

•  Carol Weisman, an author, trainer and consultant who specializes in volunteerism, fundraising and governance.

Board member Allison Foley, one of three PAB members who has a daughter with Rett, said it is an honor to serve on the board.

“GP2C believes in what our girls can do and seeks to maximize their lives today while working tirelessly to find a cure,” she said. “Our daughter Emma was diagnosed in 2005, and now at age 10, we are more hopeful than ever for a cure. I believe the passion, commitment and hard work of GP2C will be instrumental in that effort.”

Rett Syndrome is a devastating neurological disorder that affects females almost exclusively, striking seemingly healthy girls between the age of 1 and 3. It 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 and are prone to a number of medical complications.

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 a cure for Rett will be a stepping stone to treatments for autism and other neurological disorders.

You can learn more about Girl Power 2 Cure, Rett Syndrome and the PAB at http://www.girlpower2cure.org and http://www.girlpower2cure.org/who-we-are/professional-advisory-board