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

“Rett Syndrome is a devastating disease that affects families all across this state,” said Senator Yuko. “Although much still needs to be done in the fight against Rett Syndrome, SB 117 is a small but necessary step in changing the lives of thousands of girls.”
 
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 are unable to walk. 

“Help us win this fight by dedicating the month of October to these girls and to those who have yet to be diagnosed. Let us strive for a world in which no child or family has to suffer from this devastating disorder,” stated Yuko.

Senate Bill 117 moves to the Ohio House for further consideration.