The Charities

Christine is racing to raise money and awareness for Rett Syndrome, a devastating neuro-developmental disorder that primarily affects girls. Often misdiagnosed as autism, cerebral palsy, or general developmental delay, Rett Syndrome causes problems in brain function that are responsible for cognitive, sensory, emotional, motor and autonomic function. These can include learning, speech, sensory sensations, mood, movement, breathing, cardiac function, and even chewing, swallowing, and digestion.

Christine has two friends with daughters that are suffering from Rett Syndrome. She first learned of the disease from fellow fly-fisher Bill Farnum, whose daughter, Ella, has been diagnosed with Rett. On a trip to Montana last spring, Christine met Anna Luce from Mobile, Alabama whose daughter, Rancey, also has the disease. Rett Syndrome presents many challenges, but with love, therapy and assistance, those with the syndrome can benefit from school and community activities well into middle age and beyond.

Banning is racing to raise money and awareness for Project Healing Waters. Initiated and conducted by members of the Federation of Fly Fishers and Trout Unlimited, Project Healing Waters serves military personnel who have been wounded, injured, or disabled to aid their physical and emotional recovery by introducing or rebuilding the skills of fly fishing and fly tying and by using and enjoying these skills on fishing outings and as lifelong recreation.

The Project’s training and educational activities are designed to ignite or rekindle the participants’ appreciation and enthusiasm for a wide variety of fly fishing outings. While most of these fishing trips are conducted within a half-day’s travel from a hospital, the Project actively seeks opportunities to offer outings in quality fishing sites across the county.