Megan Pakes, Chair of the Conference Committee has been very busy negotiating a Conference package at Rydges Hotel in Rotorua.

They were so generous and kind to everyone for the Fundraising dinner in October they have made us welcome once again on the weekend April27-28 2007.

Full details of the conference will be on the site in the new year. The airfares are quite favourable just now but are often better after new year so keep an eye on specials. The Friday will be time to get to know and reacquaint friendships and Saturday will provide up to date information from Kathy Hunter the International President and founder of Rett Syndrome Parents association. Little did Kathy know when she started off thinking Stacey had a rare disease she would find so many thousands of girls and families who had been on a lonely journey like her.

We have a new family this month from Levin. Michelle is so beautiful and three years old. We know just how Lisa and her husband and Michelle’s brother are feeling as they come to terms with this news. Megan Pakes rang last night to leave a message and I will meet Lisa and Michelle next month.

From our youngest to our oldest lady Bronwyn who lives in Auckland at home with her Mother Mary. Mary has looked after Bronwyn so carefully and had the great thrill of when she was putting Bronwyn to bed she said,”I love you Mummy.” We all know but it is wonderful to hear these magic words. Bronwyn walked until she was twelve she loves visitors and family times.

Mary was wondering if Bronwyn needed glasses. We are going to put Elaine Johansen’s article on the Right to See. It is a simple test to see if glasses are needed. Elaine’s daughter Pia was overjoyed when she had her new glasses and looked at things in a different way.

We hope you all have the happiest time at Christmas with the rustle of cellophane as Santa comes to visit everyone.

On Monday we had a lovely experience when we took a friend who had had a stroke from the airport by taxi as they had so many suitcases. The taxi driver said You are Kristen’s dad. She was so lovely. I used to take her to Crippled children’s kindergarten 34 years ago.” We had the loveliest dreams about her on Monday night.

Margaret and Robert Van Rooyen visited Wellington to see their daughter win a NZ Science programme. We were having a wonderful catch up on their daughter Nicky who is now 16 years old. Nicky had her scoliosis surgery performed by Haemish Crawford who will speak at the April Conference. Nicky’s parents said Haemish was so kind to the whole family they will look forward to seeing him next April.

Haemish will speak on the skeletal problems some of the girls develop as they get older. He is so interesting I know you will enjoy his lecture.

I have been talking to Kathy Hunter who is most excited about her visit to NZ. She will be bringing her new book with her.

We have the most amazing new friend who is helping Rett who wishes to remain anonymous. Since the Conference he has helped organize a wonderful Rett NZ dinner at Sky City on the 28 September, 2007. For those who came to the dinner in Rotorua you will know this is a night to remember.

We are also working on a Conference in April 2008 which would have a research angle and we have two of our speakers organized for this event.

We wish you a happy family time at Christmas where in among the busy time of paper and tinsel we have learnt the most important lesson from our angels, that loving and being loved is the most important gift in life.

Gillian Deane