Welcome to Kimbo’s Korner
Hello, I’m Kimberly, welcome to my website!
I am 36 years old and I live in Alabama with my parents, Phil & René.
I have lived in Alabama all of my life. I graduated from Clay-Chalkville High School and went to LINCPoint at United Abilities for several years. We like to travel, but my health has slowed us down the last few years. I have Rett syndrome. I am not able to walk or talk, but I say a whole lot with my eyes! I think that I am a pretty sweet girl, but I do have a lot of sass!
My favorite things are: My family, my best friend Carlina (who is also an awesome nurse), music, movies, bowling, tv, and someone just setting and talking with me.
I have a brother Matthew, and a sister Rory Nicole. Matt and his wife Cyndi live in Clinton, N.C. We get to see them a few times a year (so I miss them a lot). My sister, Rory Nicole and her hubby Dewayne live near us.
Matt & Cyndi have a little girl, Charlotte (“Lottie”), and 2 boys, Kayden and Mason, and Nicole & Dewayne have two girls, Allison (“Allie”) and Amelia. I love them all so very much!
Be sure to take a look at my photo gallery and drop me a note on my guestbook!. To learn more about Rett syndrome, scroll down, then visit www.rettsyndrome.org.
Thank you for stopping by and come back often!
About Rett Syndrome
Rett syndrome is a unique postnatal neurological disorder that is first recognized in infancy and seen almost always in girls, but can be rarely seen in boys.
Rett syndrome has been most often misdiagnosed as autism, cerebral palsy, or non-specfic developmental delay.
Rett syndrome is caused by mutations on the X chromosome on a gene called MECP2. There are more than 200 different mutations found on the MECP2 gene. Most of these mutations are found in eight different “hot spots.”
Rett syndrome strikes all racial and ethnic groups, and occurs worldwide in 1 of every 10,000 female births. Although Rett syndrome can affect males, the incidence in males is not known.
Rett syndrome is not a degenerative disorder.
Rett syndrome causes problems in brain function that are responsible for cognitive, sensory, emotional, motor and autonomic function. These can include learning, speech, sensory sensations, mood, movement, breathing, cardiac function, and even chewing, swallowing, and digestion.
Rett syndrome symptoms appear after an early period of apparently normal or near normal development until six to eighteen months of life, when there is a slowing down or stagnation of skills. A period of regression then follows when she loses communication skills and purposeful use of her hands. Soon, stereotypical hand movements such as handwashing, gait disturbances, and slowing of the normal rate of head growth become apparent. Other problems may include seizures and disorganized breathing patterns while she is awake, an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine (scoliosis), and sleep disturbances. In the early years, there may be a period of isolation or withdrawal when she is irritable and cries inconsolably. Over time, motor problems may increase, but in general, irritability lessens and eye contact and communication improve.
Rett syndrome is confirmed with a simple blood test to identify the MECP2 mutation. However, since the MECP2 mutation is also seen in other disorders, the presence of the MECP2 mutation in itself is not enough for the diagnosis of Rett syndrome. Diagnosis requires either the presence of the mutation (a molecular diagnosis) or fulfillment of the diagnostic criteria (a clinical diagnosis, based on signs and symptoms that you can observe) or both.
Rett syndrome can present with a wide range of disability ranging from mild to severe. The course and severity of Rett syndrome is determined by the location, type and severity of her mutation and X-inactivation. Therefore, two girls of the same age with the same mutation can appear quite different.
Rett syndrome in males is rare, but does occur at low prevalence. With advances in research, diagnosis and increasing awareness we now have a better understanding of how a mutation in an X-linked gene leads to Rett syndrome in males.
Rett syndrome presents many challenges, but with love, therapy and assistance, those with the syndrome can benefit from school and community activities well into middle age and beyond. They experience a full range of emotions and show their engaging personalities as they take part in social, educational, and recreational activities at home and in the community.
To learn more about Rett Syndrome please visit: https://www.rettsyndrome.org