Bringing Rett Families Together at the Y

On a Saturday afternoon in early November, excited chatter filled the Sacramento Central YMCA pool. A young girl in pink floaties climbed atop a unicorn inflatable, proudly calling out for her mom to watch. This was one of many small moments that filled the space with joy and energy that afternoon.

Saturday, November 8, the YMCA, in collaboration with Acadia Pharmaceuticals, hosted a Rett-Ventures family swim event designed especially for families navigating Rett syndrome. Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that almost exclusively affects girls. This neurological disorder affects brain development, causing children to gradually lose speech, hand skills, and coordinated movement. Acadia aims to develop and commercialize innovative medicines for neurological and rare diseases, with a focus on addressing significant unmet needs, such as Rett syndrome.

The gathering offered a warm, welcoming environment where children and caregivers could relax, play, and connect with others in their community. Families enjoyed full access to the YMCA’s indoor pool, complete with cheerful unicorn floaties, slides, open swim time, and upbeat music. Beyond the water, participants gathered for arts and crafts, creating their own beaded keychains and bracelets—simple, hands-on activities that encouraged creativity and conversation.

“Working with the young girls with Rett syndrome, and their families, was an honor. Their strength and spirit made every moment in the pool something extraordinary,” says Erik McClain, the YMCA’s Aquatics Director. 

The YMCA is so grateful to Acadia for allowing us to host this event and share this important mission: bringing families together, fostering wellness, and creating joyful, inclusive environments for the Rett community. By offering a supportive space for connection and fun, Rett-Ventures provided families with meaningful moments of celebration.

We look forward to continuing to build experiences that uplift and empower families, both in and out of the water.