Let’s turn up for Kylie

By: Brian Winkel

On Saturday, Oct. 4, Cedar Falls High School has a chance to assist PE teacher Paul Elser and his family in their fight against Retts Syndrome on behalf of his daughter, Kylie.

Kylie has wrestled with Retts syndrome, a rare non-inherited genetic postnatal neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls and leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the child’s life: their ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe easily. The hallmark of Rett syndrome is near constant repetitive hand movements while awake.

Oct. 4 is Kylie’s birthday, and the Elser family is hosting a chili cookoff to raise funds for the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF).

“IRSF is a four-star charity that provides family empowerment, educational support and funds cutting edge research. Our dream is that some day Kylie will live a life that is free of seizures, and she is surrounded by people who believe in her potential,” Caroline Elser, Kylie’s mom, said.

The chili cook off will feature a variety of dishes, including white, green, vegetarian, spicy and other chilies. There will also be kids games, a bouncy house, a silent auction and a raffle.

The Elsers could also use volunteers to help and to bring crock pots of chili, dishes to serve on the side (cheese, oyster crackers, sour cream), dessert beverages and drinks. They are also accepting donations for silent auction items.

Please turn out and make this their most successful chili cookoff to date. Share the event and bring a friend. The event is at 2819 Willow Lane from 5 to 7 p.m.