The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes magazine Jan 2010: Socials, Parties, Luncheons, in The Woodlands

new beginning for our new year.

What are your aspirations? Goals? Family, friends, work, giving, volunteering, believing in something greater than yourself? As a Mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, volunteer and social editor, I strive every year to do better than the previous at each of the roles I have been blessed with. Two years ago, this month, I began writing “Scene in The Woodlands,” and through the many touching, successful events I’ve covered, I have met the most beautiful people with unbelievable stories of resilience. Each charity, supporter and survivor inspired me to look within myself and aspire to be more.

Ironically, my family is now the one seeking hope, holding out faith for a cure and working to carve out the purpose that has so plainly been laid out for us. Will, my 6-year old son ’s recent diagnosis of a rare, degenerative neurological condition called Juvenile Batten Disease, for which there is no cure or treatment, rocked our world. So, as you can imagine, I rode into 2010 on a train of hope, eager to fulfill my most important purpose. I am armed with a tremendous amount of faith (and yes, still a few resolutions) and the support of this incredible community.

Look around at the promise that surrounds you no matter your circumstance. As you venture into your new, fresh beginning, I wish you all the successes that you seek in 2010.

Attending, sponsoring or organizing an upcoming event? Drop me a line with the details at missyherndon@yahoo.com.

International

Rett Syndrome Foundation Strollathon

More than 400 people gathered at Rob Fleming Park to “Stroll and Roll” their way to a cure for Rett Syndrome. I was truly blessed to be a participant in this first annual event, which raised more than $35,000 and had well over 30 families walking and strolling, while listening to the music of The Seldom Herd and Kevin and Colton Black. A costume contest rounded out the day of celebration and hope for the Rett girls and women. Lady GaGa, an angel, a cowboy and a ladybug were the big winners! Rett Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which begins to show its affects in infancy or early childhood. It is seen almost exclusively in girls, but it can rarely occur in boys. Most Rett children and adults require maximum assistance with every aspect of daily living. See www.rettsyndrome.org to find out more information.

1. Erin Jonei (front center) with her family and friends making up “Erin’s Entourage.”

2. (L-R) Jana Tovey, Ingrid and David Sevy, and Kaitlyn Tovey

3. Event chair Kenna Seiler (kneeling, in front) with daughter Rachel (left) and Rachel ’s teachers from Galatas Elementary: (back row, l-r) Xiomara Mesa, Shawna Yates and Jessica Emerick.

4. Cynthia Lara with daughter, Jasmine, and teacher Kelly Giebl

5. Retts costume contest winner Ashley “Lady Gaga” Fry, with Dr. Daniel Glaze, director of the Bluebird Circle Rett Center at Texas Children ’s Hospital, and Judy Barrish, R.N.

6. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Speaker’s Committee Clowns, Whiskers and Stripes

7. Volunteers from the Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Pediatric Neurology, Texas Children ’s Hospital’s with entertainer and Rett Syndrome supporter Kevin Black (center).