Local family raises awareness for Rett Syndrome

By Ellen Bacca

POSTED: 2:02 PM Oct 19 2012   UPDATED: 6:32 PM Oct 19 2012

October is Rett Syndrome Awareness Month, and one local family is helping get the word out.

There will be a dog show and Blessing of the Animals at Trinity United Methodist Church in Jacksonville on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to raise awareness and money.  The events are in honor of five-year-old Sydney Crandall who has an ongoing battle with Rett Syndrome.

Rett Syndrome, a rare, genetic and neurological disorder, affects one in 10,000 girls. It is a disease that is typically diagnosed with a blood test when girls go through a period of regression at about 15 months of age. A portion of proceeds from this Saturday's events will go to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation and to support five-year-old Sydney and her ongoing battle with Rett Syndrome.

Organizers say your dog must be on a leash for the dog show, and you can register your dog to compete in competitions. There will also be activities for the whole family, including a raffle, fire trucks, a bouncy house, face painting, pony rides, DOD and JPD canine demonstrations, music, food and other vendors.