Charity planning fifth-annual gala

By L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review

“I seldom think about my limitations, and they never make me sad. Perhaps there is just a touch of yearning at times; but it is vague, like a breeze among flowers.” — Helen Keller

Much like Helen Keller, being afflicted with severe physical limitations hasn’t prevented 7-year-old Apple Valley resident Jocelyn Jones from making a difference in the lives of many. At the age of 21 months in 2010, Jones was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by slow development, loss of purposeful use of the hands, problems with walking, seizures and intellectual disability. It affects mostly girls.

Since 2011, Jones and her family have raised over $235,000 for the Rett Syndrome Research Trust and seem to be just getting started. At 5 p.m. Oct. 3, Jones’ charity, Jocelyn’s Journey, will hold its fifth annual gala at the Apple Valley Conference Center, 14975 Dale Evans Parkway.

“Our family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from family, friends and local businesses,” said Elizabeth Jones, Jocelyn’s mom. “This event is playing a vital role in bringing Jocelyn, and all girls with Rett syndrome, closer to a cure.”

Along with dinner, the Jocelyn’s Journey gala will feature a silent auction, raffle, slide show presentation and a special guest speaker, Elizabeth said.

“We’ll be auctioning and raffling off everything from electronics to sporting event tickets,” said Elizabeth. “There’ll be something for everyone, that’s for sure. As for our guest speaker, it’s a secret and something special I decided to do for our fifth anniversary.”

According to Elizabeth, her annual event would not be possible without the generous support of local companies, such as Budweiser, Armstrong Fairway Insurance Agency, San Bernardino County Firefighters Association and Desert Valley Hospital, to name a few.

In addition, Granite Hills High School’s catering department will prepare and donate all of the food. Its rugby team volunteers every year to serve the meal.

“We are so grateful to Granite Hills High School for helping us out year after year,” said Elizabeth. “And we love that their rugby team wants to contribute, too. It’s neat to see these kids be so giving.”

Elizabeth said she is motivated to raise as much money as possible for RSRT, which reportedly is closer to a cure for Rett syndrome than ever before.

Award-winning British Biochemist Dr. Adrian Bird’s research has been promising, according to RSRT’s website, www.rsrt.org. The renowned scientist has already succeeded in reversing Rett syndrome in a mouse that was presenting all the symptoms of the disease. In 2007, Bird found a way to correct a rogue protein in the rodent and its symptoms disappeared.

“We didn’t expect it because it was assumed that once you have a neurological disorder, you have it forever,” said Bird on RSRT’s website. “We thought we might, with luck, delay the animal’s death or perhaps alleviate some of the symptoms. But what we got was a clear result, a spectacular improvement. It was one of those Eureka moments.”

Elizabeth said Bird’s successful treatment of the mouse has provided her with all the inspiration she needs to continue raising money for a cure.

“Raising money for Rett syndrome research has not only been rewarding but very exciting,” said Elizabeth. “What Dr. Bird did with that mouse gives us so much hope that a cure is in Jocelyn’s future.”

Sponsorships for the Jocelyn’s Journey gala start at $75 for an individual ticket and go up to $10,000 for a group of 15. Packages include recognition on RSRT’s and Jocelyn’s Journey websites, as well as digital advertisements.

For more information, call 760-220-0261 or visit www.jocelynsjourney.org.

— L.J. Gambone is a freelance reporter for High Desert Media Group. Visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/victorvalleyhappenings.