Springfield Resident to Walk for Niece With Rett Syndrome

Springfield resident Cheryl Greenwald will spend this Sunday walking around Hoboken, but it won't be your typical leisurely stroll. 

Greenwald is participating in the 11th annual New Jersey Strollathon to raise crucial research dollars and public awareness of Rett syndrome, which afflicts her 14-year-old niece, Deborah Jill. 

The Springfield mom explained that Rett syndrome is a debilitating neurological/movement disorder that primarily affects females. It is the leading cause of severe impairment in girls, she said, adding that another baby girl born is afflicted with Rett's syndrome every 90 minutes.  

"Rett Syndrome prevents Deborah Jill from being able to talk, use her hands, or eat by herself but she can hear you," Greenwald explained. "She is smart and loves to laugh. There are hundreds of thousands of girls like her and they need everyone's help."

The Hoboken walk, which starts at 10 a.m., has raised over $100,000 for essential research of effective treatments and to find a cure for Rett syndrome. 

To learn more about the event, visit Strollathon's website. To support Greenwald in her efforts, visit her fundraising page.