Kiwanis Teacher of the Month Runs for Rett

Published 5:00 am Thursday, March 23, 2017

Walter M. Kennedy Elementary School first grade teacher Monica Christian is Kiwanis Teacher of the Month for March.

“This is an absolute honor to be rewarded for doing something I love every day,” said the 13-year veteran teacher as she accepted the plaque and $100 check from Kiwanis to be used in her classroom.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Kiwanis,” said WMK Principal Dr. Leah Stover. “Presenting a different school each month shows how much they honor education and the school system.”

Christian is also the sponsor of the running club at WMK, which participated in the recent Purple Run for Rett on Saturday at Lakeside Park in Pell City. The cooler weather and rain did not deter the runners, who lined up to participate in the 5K and a one mile fun run to raise money for Rett Syndrome.

The Pell City High School Key Club along with Julie’s Army of Hope, sponsor the event each year. Key Club members set up water and color stations along the 5K route to spread a cloud of color as they tossed purple powder at the runners as they passed.

Winners in each division were: 11 and under males first place, Jacob Wiley, second place, Jacob Rogers, and third place Peyton Pack; 12 and older males first place, with a time of 19 minutes and 3 seconds, Daniel Tuloy, second place Jacoby Dove, and third place David Hill. Ages 11 and under females first place was Morgan Russell, second place Hannah Gamble, and third place Jolina Waldrip, who has Rett Syndrome. Jolina was guided in her wheelchair by her mother for most of the race, but finished the last portion across the wooden bridge at Lakeside Park walking on her own. Placing for the 12 and older females first was Hailey Egido-Betancourt, second place Karen Stocks, and third place Karen Ayala Baylon.

The Southeastern Rett Syndrome Alliance (SRSA) was present to educate participants and supporters about Rett syndrome. “We are very grateful for all of the support and are glad to raise awareness,” René Davis, founding member of SRSA stated. Three girls that have Rett syndrome were present to engage with the supportive community. Julie Grace from Pell City, Luisa from Vestavia and Jolina Waldrip, who came from Barbados to get treatment in Birmingham, were also presented with medals.

Rett syndrome is a postnatal neurological disorder that occurs worldwide in 1 of every 10,000 to 23,000 female births across all racial and ethnic groups. While the disorder is mainly seen in girls, it can also affect boys in rare cases. Symptoms appear after a normal period of development until six to eighteen months of life, when there is a slowing down or regression of skills. Symptoms of Rett syndrome can include loss of motor skills including hand function and coordination, a decline in language skills, slowed growth, and trouble breathing. It is a lifelong condition that does not currently have a cure, but it is not a degenerative disorder.

According to Davis, “Rett syndrome presents many challenges, but with love, therapy and assistance, those with the syndrome can benefit from school and community activities well into middle age and beyond. They experience a full range of emotions and show their engaging personalities as they take part in social, educational, and recreational activities at home and in the community.”