My name is Leah

leah2 I was born Feburary 2007 in California. My first year was a dream. I ate and slept so well and learned to do lots of things on my own, including saying lots of words, phrases, and animal sounds. I fed myself and loved to read books. It took me a little longer to crawl, cruise and walk, but by 26 months I was running. Around the same time I started walking, my mom and dad noticed a few words disappearing. I was enrolled in an Early Start program and Teacher Jan suggested I get tested for Rett syndrome. So I did, and our lives were never the same.

Over the next few months, Rett syndrome took my words and hand use, but it didn't take my spirit. Mom says my smiles and giggles can still melt anyone and dad says my bright blue eyes twinkle on the darkest of days.

When I was first diagnosed, we were lucky enough to live close to Katie's Clinic in Oakland, CA where we received fantastic care and met some wonderful people. When I was four, dad decided to go back to school to get his MBA, so we moved across the country (I was in the car for SIX days!) to New Hampshire where he attends the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. On our way, we were able to meet even more wonderful Rett families. Next month, dad is going to graduate, so we are moving again. This time, we're just going halfway across the country where we'll settle in the Midwest (Quad Cities, IA/IL) and look forward to meeting even more friends!!