Columbus—Today, Senate Bill 117, legislation jointly sponsored by State Senators Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights) and Jim Hughes (R-Columbus), passed the Ohio House with bipartisan support. Senate Bill 117 designates the month of October as “Rett Syndrome Awareness Month.”

“Rett Syndrome is a devastating disease that affects families all across this state, and I am ecstatic that we were able to get this bill passed in time to recognize October as Rett Syndrome Awareness Month,” said Senator Yuko. “However, awareness is just the first step and we now must continue our advocacy for research to hopefully one day find a cure. To all of the beautiful girls and families who are affected by this disorder, the Ohio legislature supports you in this fight.”

Rett Syndrome is a postnatal neurological disorder that affects females almost exclusively and currently has no cure. One out of every 10,000 female births is diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, which equates to a girl being born with the disorder every 2 hours. Those affected normally have no verbal skills or purposeful hand use, and on average about half of these individuals are unable to walk.