Invitation

The Silent Angels Gala
Please join us for
Our Honored Guests
Dinner, Dancing,
The NJRSA and The Silent Angels Gala
The Silent Angels Gala is our largest fund-raiser to benefit Rett syndrome. This
year, at the 24th annual NJ Silent Angels Gala, we are excited to have you join
Silent Auction, Raffles and Fun
at the
NEW JERSEY RETT SYNDROME ASSOCIATION
us as we honor two grandparents, Linda Albanese and Joan Lauria.
Your commitment helps support the families in New Jersey living with
Rett syndrome. Last year we presented our second Rett Syndrome Seminar
at the Make-A-Wish Castle which was attended by parents, teachers and
therapists from the tri state area. The Natural History Study we hosted here
in NJ for 8 years is helping direct the current research. There are now several
human drug trials enrolling children around the world that are providing
promising results.
With your help, in just 7 years, NJRSA has been able to give over $500,000
to the research funds at the International Rett Syndrome (RettSyndrome.org),
Rett Syndrome Research Trust (ReverseRett.org) and the Rett Syndrome Center
24th Annual
Silent Angels
Gala
at Montefiore Children’s Hospital. Things are looking incredibly promising,
and our dream of a “Miracle Cure” gets closer every year. Your contribution
helps us continue to support our families as we work toward that cure. We
thank you for helping us move closer to our goal. Your help is our hope!
Learn more at www.rettsyndrome.org or www.njrsa.org.
to Benefit Rett Syndrome
.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
.
6:00 pm
Westmount Country Club
728 Rifle Camp Road
Woodland park, New Jersey
2016_gala_invite_sketch.indd 1
Linda Albanese
Grandmother of Michelle, age 13
Michelle was diagnosed with Rett in April of 2007 at the age of 4 ½, and so began
a new life for Linda and her husband Don of Bloomfield, NJ. They have 2 sons,
Michael and Mark. Michael and his wife Cordelia are Michelle’s parents. They live in
Las Vegas.
From day one, Linda has been devoted to RTT research. For 7 years she
accompanied Michelle and her mom to Oakland CA for the Natural History Study.
She is always raising funds for research, with the help her son Mark
and daughter in law Kim, through her Christmas card list, art sales,
garage sales, Girls’ softball events as well as events held by the West
Essex HS Tennis team where Don taught and still coaches. She has
donation jars in local shops and restaurants and the “famous” Hot
Bagels Abroad shop that got TV attention for RTT when the jar was
stolen. Linda also teaches about Rett in schools in NJ and NYC, speaks to Women’s
Key clubs and to anyone who will listen. She and Don are determined to make a
difference for our “Silent Angels”.
Joan Theresa Lauria
Grandmother of Carly, age 18
Joan has worked tirelessly for Rett ever since Carly was
first diagnosed at the age of 2.
Joan was married to Dr. John V. Lauria for 59½ years.
She worked for Johnson and Johnson and in her
husband’s office for many years. Joan has five children,
eight grandchildren and one great grandchild and is tennis player extraordinaire.
Joan’s daughter and son in law Joan & Carl Raso are Carly’s parents. Joan continues
to raise funds and awareness throughout the year, but
at Gala time, she writes a personal letter to all of her
many friends which always generates a great amount
of donations. She is always talking about Carly and
Rett syndrome and anxious to share her hope for a
cure for Carly and all of our “Silent Angels”.
12/29/15 10:33 AM
About Rett Syndrome
What is Rett Syndrome?
Rett Syndrome (RTT), a genetic neurological disorder affecting development
in childhood, has been identified almost exclusively in females. RTT results
in severe movement and communication problems following apparently
normal development for the first six months of life. The characteristic features
include loss of speech and purposeful hand use, occurrence of repetitive hand
movements, abnormal walking, abnormal breathing, and slowing in the rate of
head growth. No cure for Rett syndrome is known...yet.
The New Jersey Rett Syndrome Association
Gala Committee
Leslie Greenfield, Chair
Theresa Bartolotta
Carla BenEtatos
Robin Diamond
Catherine Gavallas
Mike Greenfield
Bill Jones
Karen & Bill Keegan
Lanie & Ben Laskowitz
Joan Lauria
Kim Poulos Lieberz
Susan Long
Karen & Steven Medlin
Carol Nightingale
Eleni Passalaris
Wendy & Nick Petruzzelli
Joan Raso
Maryanne & Ben Riegelman
Judy & Gerard Saydah
Gladys Thomson
Edie Zarillo
The New Jersey Rett Syndrome Association (NJRSA) is a registered 501(c)3
organization dedicated to serving the families affected by Rett syndrome. The
mission of the New Jersey Rett Syndrome Association is to support local families
as we raise awareness and funds for ongoing research that will improve the
quality of life for girls and women affected by Rett syndrome.
to early intervention, treatment, support and research.
2016_gala_invite_sketch.indd 2
Silent Angels
Gala
New Jersey Rett Syndrome Association
We believe that by raising the awareness of Rett syndrome we can increase recognition and foster public attitudes conducive
24th Annual
WWW.NJRSA.ORG
Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 6:00 PM
Westmount Country Club, WOODLAND PARK, NJ
12/29/15 10:33 AM