BUCYRUS — Alli Coffman has been a fighter since she was born.
The now 17-year-old was in the NICU (Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit) from birth to eight-months-old battling a lymph system disorder and at three-and-a-half years old, she was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome.
“Rett Syndrome is a very rare disease that affects girls mostly. It affects their motor skills, many have a feeding tube and they can suffer from seizures,” said Traci Coffman, Alli’s mom. “Many girls do not walk, but Alli does.”
Traci said the disease begins with symptoms similar to autism.
“Most kids will be talking and walking but between 18 months and three-years, they begin to lose those skills,” Traci said.
Traci is a teacher at Wynford and her husband, Dave, works at People’s Savings and Loan. They, along with the help of their other daughter, Jenna, began hosting Alli’s Rett Walk and 5K Run 11 years ago through their church, Mount Zion United Methodist.
“All of the money we raise goes to Rett Syndrome.org,” Traci said. “Strides are being made and several people have seen positive results through the research they are conducting and clinical trials.”
Registration for the event begins Sunday, Sept. 8 at noon at Aumiller Park with the 5K run beginning at 1 p.m. and the walk immediately after.
Race day registration for runners costs $35 per person while the walk is free with a donation being made to rettsyndrome.org.
A limited supply of T-shirts will be available for $10 each. Awards will be given to the top two overall male and top two overall female runners.
“We will have church service beginning at 10:30 a.m. before the event at the park and the public is invited to attend that also,” Traci said.
For more information about Rett Syndrome, visit https://www.rettsyndrome.org.