OCTOBER IS
AWARENESS MONTH
YOU CAN HELP!
This October, you have the power to make a real impact in the fight against Rett Syndrome. Join our mission to raise awareness and fund vital research – whether that’s getting involved here in greater Boston, throughout New England or supporting us from wherever you call home.
Your donation fuels research that is already changing lives for families affected by Rett Syndrome. We’re living in an extraordinary moment of hope – the first-ever FDA-approved treatment became available in 2023, bringing tears of joy and relief to families who never thought they’d see this day.
This is just the beginning of what’s possible. With 51 promising molecules currently in development and nearly $2 million in new research grants awarded in 2024, we’re moving closer to even more life-changing breakthroughs. Every contribution helps develop the next generation of therapies, advances gene therapy research, and provides critical support to the families who inspire us every day.
When you give today, you’re not just funding research – you’re wrapping your arms around brave families and investing in a future where every child with Rett Syndrome has access to treatments that can transform their world. You’re helping ensure families have the guidance, resources, and community they need to navigate this journey with strength and determination. You’re part of a community that refuses to give up, celebrates every victory, and believes in the power of progress.
Together, we can build on this incredible momentum and bring even more light to everyone touched by Rett Syndrome.
The research is working – help us accelerate it.
Donate!
Each donation you make plays a pivotal role in advancing research and driving us closer to discovering a cure for Rett Syndrome.
Volunteer!
You can make a meaningful difference by volunteering your time, either in person or virtually online, to support our efforts.
Like & Share!
By simply clicking that “like” button and sharing our content, you’re contributing to raising awareness and support for our mission.
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Let’s celebrate the remarkable strength and unique spirit of children with Rett Syndrome on these special days dedicated to honoring their resilience and bringing joy to their journeys.
Your Journey is Our Journey
Purple Sky Night
Sunday, October 5th, 2025
TIME: Dusk to Dawn
WHERE: New England
New England Glows Purple for Rett This October, landmarks across New England will illuminate in purple to raise awareness for Rett Syndrome—a rare neurological disorder that primarily affects females, occurring in approximately 1 in 10,000 female births worldwide. Though less common, Rett syndrome can also affect males, typically with even more severe symptoms.
Building on years of success in Massachusetts, Rett Syndrome Angels has expanded its lighting campaign across the entire New England region. Why Purple? Purple lighting serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for the Rett Syndrome community, representing visibility, unity, and hope for continued research breakthroughs.
Confirmed Participating Landmarks The campaign kicks off October 5th with confirmed participation from:
* Massachusetts: Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, Longfellow Bridge, Rose Kennedy Greenway (Boston/Cambridge), Fore River Bridge (Weymouth/Quincy), and Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge (Worcester/Shrewsbury), plus Springfield’s Monarch Place digital marquees
* New Hampshire: The historic Concord Hotel with its distinctive weather beacon lighting system *
* Connecticut: Hartford’s Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and Mohegan Sun
* Vermont, Rhode Island & Maine: Multiple locations with responses pending
About Rett Syndrome Rett syndrome is a severe neurological disorder where the hallmark symptom is the loss of purposeful hand use. Additional challenges include difficulties with walking and speaking, seizures, anxiety, digestive issues, and breathing problems.
Throughout October—Rett Syndrome Awareness Month internationally—we’ll host family/community events and a special memorial fundraiser honoring Rett individuals who have recently passed away.
When New England glows purple, we create powerful conversations about Rett Syndrome, educate the public, connect isolated families, and build a stronger regional advocacy network. We’re continuing to secure additional landmarks throughout New England—check back regularly for updates as we add more participating locations!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the landmarks, organizations, and communities lighting up in purple for Rett Syndrome Awareness Month. Your support helps shine a light on this rare disorder and brings hope to families throughout New England.
SHARE ON SOCIALS: #PurpleForRett #RettSyndromeAngels
Blue Sky Day
Saturday, October 25th, 2025
TIME: 10:45 am
WHERE: Harvard Medical School, Boston
Blue Sky Day is our heartfelt tribute to Rett Angels, featuring an inspiring outdoor ceremony on the steps of the Harvard Medical School Library. Join families, Rett researchers, the Boston Children’s Hospital Rett Program team, and our Acadia sponsors for this meaningful gathering.
This cherished annual tradition brings together the entire Rett Syndrome community for a day of remembrance, celebration, and hope. The iconic steps create a powerful backdrop for our most significant community gathering of the year, honoring the precious lives of Rett Angels while celebrating the ongoing fight for treatments and cures.
Why Blue Sky Day?
Blue Sky Day serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for the Rett Syndrome community, representing visibility for this rare disorder, unity among families facing similar challenges, and hope for continued research breakthroughs. The “blue sky” symbolizes the clear, bright future we’re working to create for all individuals affected by Rett Syndrome.
A Community United
Be part of our Fifteenth Blue Sky Day in Boston—representing fifteen years of community, advocacy, and unwavering hope. This anniversary celebration holds special significance as we reflect on our shared journey and the countless families who have found strength through our gatherings.
Throughout the year, Rett Syndrome Angels hosts programs and events designed to bring families together for mutual support while spreading awareness in the broader community. Blue Sky Day serves as our cornerstone event, bringing together our entire community in one powerful gathering.
An Afternoon of Connection
Following the ceremony, join us for lunch hosted by Rett Syndrome Angels at the Life Science Building just across the street. This gathering provides opportunities for meaningful conversations and strengthened community bonds between families and researchers.
Blue Sky Day welcomes everyone touched by Rett Syndrome—families, caregivers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and supporters. Many describe it as a transformative experience that leaves them feeling more connected and hopeful.
We are grateful to all the families, researchers, sponsors, and supporters who make Blue Sky Day possible. Your participation helps honor our Rett Angels and brings hope to families throughout New England and beyond.
Help us spread the word on your local and social media platforms!
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Purple Sky Night
October TBD, 2024
Courtesy of Mass Department of Transportation (MassDOT) four bridges in Massachusetts
will be lit in purple to recognize Rett Syndrome Awareness Month.
These four bridges will glow in purple from sunset to sunrise:
Zakim (Boston), Longfellow (Boston), Fore River (Quincy/Weymouth) and Burns (Worcester).
Let your local and social media know about Blue Sky Day and Purple Sky Night
COUNTDOWN STARTING SOON!
October Awareness News
What In the World Is Blue Sky Day?
The Origins and Symbolism
In 2010 Blue Sky Girls events began as the brainchild of Dr. Sasha Djukic, Director of the Rett Syndrome Center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. Through her efforts, groups of families gathered in locations around the world on the same Saturday in October to honor and celebrate their children who faced the challenges of Rett Syndrome. Worldwide, the children ascended staircases with whatever aid they required as a symbol of moving onward and upward no matter how difficult.
The Event’s Evolution within RS Angels
Over the years, fewer organizations participated in the Blue Sky Day event, but Rett Syndrome Angels have continued the tradition and personalized it in our very own way. Our event was renamed Blue Sky Day to recognize the fact that boys were now being diagnosed with Rett. Blue Sky Day is Rett Syndrome Angels very special day to bring families together in honor of our children and to raise awareness in the community during Rett Syndrome Awareness Month. In recent years Purple Sky Night in Boston has added to the excitement of the day and has generated increased Rett awareness.
During Covid, we celebrated Blue Sky Day with a virtual “World Wide Rett Celebration” in 2020, and last year we combined our Annual Picnic with Blue Sky Day. This year we are back to more normal times, and we can once again enjoy our more traditional Blue Sky Day event. We hope to have a large and enthusiastic group of families gather at Harvard Medical School (near Boston Children’s Hospital) for a short outdoor program where our children are the stars of the day, and then we will enjoy lunch together at the Life Sciences Building across the street. We will be joined by staff from the Boston Rett Program, along with Rett researchers and supporters from Acadia Pharmaceuticals. Special thanks go to Dr. Michela Fagiolini, who has played a major role in organizing Blue Sky Day each year.
Here’s Why You Should Join Us
There is always lots of surprises and fun activities for all family members. This is a great opportunity to connect with other families and supporters. Please plan to join us for this very special day. Blue Skies would be great, but we will carry on (indoors), whatever the weather.
We are grateful for our sponsor:
