By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com

Shortly after their youngest child was born Dave and Traci Coffman had a decision to make – be overwhelmed by a problem or overwhelm the problem themselves. The Coffman’s have chosen the latter by organizing Allie’s Walk.

Allie is now 11 and was born prematurely. As a result of that she spent six weeks in the NICU at Children’s Hospital. She was left with a lymph disorder which many don’t survive, although she did need a tracheotomy for a year-and-a-half. But even after Allie recovered, she was far from well. The Coffman’s realized something else was wrong.

“We had this horrible life-changing event (at birth). Then we had this diagnosis of Rett’s Syndrome,” said Traci, a Wynford teacher. “We just dug in our heels. We have a tremendous family.”

The symptoms of Rett’s can be devastating. It takes away the ability to talk and most of the patient’s motor skills, although Allie can walk with effort. Allie cannot talk and still must be fed through a feeding tube.

“You start this onslaught of Internet research which is scary too, Traci said. “But it answered a lot of questions too.”

Traci said Allie’s case isn’t nearly as severe as a lot of others, but they are keeping her under close watch to see if other things develop. Although Allie can’t talk, she watches her mother talk and it is obvious she is listening and knows the conversation is about her.

“Our biggest problem is communication,” Traci said, acknowledging that sign language is not possible at the moment. “She has such poor use of her hands. She does understand quite a bit, but it is those small things.”

Traci is quick to credit her family, church and friends for tremendous support which has helped the family. Through that effort of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Allie’s Walk was created as a way to raise money and awareness for Rett’s Syndrome research.

“Our pastor came to us and said they wanted to get this started,” Traci said.

This is the fifth year for Allie’s Walk which has added a 5K run for the first time this year. The event is at 1 p.m. Sept. 8 at Aumiller Park. Money from the entry fees and other donations are collected and turned over to a regional fundraiser in Cincinnati. Thus far Allie’s Walk has raised nearly $20,000 for Rett’s Syndrome research.

The Coffman’s have another daughter, 13-year-old Jenna, and Dave works at People’s Savings and Loan in Bucyrus. Traci makes it clear that Allie’s Walk and their determination to find a way to battle back against the disease is the result of a lot of support.

“It’s been amazing the support we’ve had from our church, of course family, friends and people within the community over the last five years we’ve done the walk,” Traci said, pausing momentarily to stem the tears. “It’s just been wonderful. We feel very blessed to know these people care about us.”

Those wishing to participate or donate to Allie’s Walk may do so by contacting the Coffman’s at coffman.traci@wynford.k12.oh.us or calling 740-482-2907. Any checks should be made out to IRSF – International Rett Syndrome Foundation.