The IncRETTibles
— Jacqueline Babiarz

I vividly remember reading an article about the late Boston Marathon icon Dick Hoyt. It was 2005, and I was dating my now husband, Billy, the father of our two beautiful girls, Cammy and Ryan. I sent…

As my two girls finished up fifth and seventh grade, I completed my coursework in special education. My firstborn, Cammy, who has Rett syndrome, inspired me to go back to school so I could better serve other…

Everyone remembers their first concert — who came along, where it was at, and most importantly, who performed. I went to my first concert in the 1980s, when I was in second grade. My mom took my five…

Our family hosts an annual fundraiser on behalf of our 13-year-old daughter, Cammy, who has Rett syndrome. This year’s event was held this past Saturday, and all proceeds are going to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation to…

Some of my pet peeves in the typical world in which I live are people who incorrectly use the word “literally,” or refuse to wait for others to exit an elevator before entering, or try to get off an…

It’s no wonder that Cammy, my 13-year-old daughter with Rett syndrome, is a superhero. She comes from a long line of strong women. The superpower of Kim, my oldest sister, stems from her love of learning. She…

Our nearest and dearest friends, George and Lisa Karavas, have been with us through every step, twist and turn, and up and down of this journey with our 13-year-old daughter, Cammy, who has Rett syndrome. It is hard…

When I was in middle school, I had sleepovers with my friends every weekend. My 11-year-old neurotypical daughter, Ryan, has had sleepovers with her cousins since she was a toddler, and now she has them with her friends.

Some days my 13-year-old daughter, Cammy, has what I call a “Rett day.” I can’t think of another way to phrase it. Rett syndrome has taken Cammy’s ability to speak. She can’t use her voice to talk to…

When assessing for developmental delays, doctors and therapists will check a toddler’s protective responses, such as instinctively outstretching the arms to prevent or brace for a fall. I can only imagine the terror of feeling unsteady and knowing there…

Everywhere we go, my 13-year-old daughter, Cammy, leaves an imprint. People gravitate to her. They want to help her participate like everyone else, in whatever capacity they’re able. I find this often while we vacation. When people greet…

Picture day at school always gives me anxiety for my daughter Cammy, 13, who has special needs. Rett syndrome has robbed her of the everyday abilities we take for granted, including walking, talking, using our hands…