Press Releases

Chuck Curley Executive Director, IRSF 781-762-2240 chuck@rsrf.org

January 17, 2008

26-year-old Chicago native Angela Martin, mother of a girl with Rett syndrome, has just won her way on American Idol to the next round in Hollywood, CA.

The web is lighting up with links to conversations about Angela, who has made her daughter's and family's struggle with Rett syndrome a cornerstone of her attempt to take the top prize.

"When she was born there were no complications . . . after two years she started having seizures," Martin explains.

"Her feet started to turn in . . . her face wasn't growing, her brain wasn't growing. It's like she fell asleep and woke up and that was it," she tells the camera while tens of millions of viewers at home choke up.

"It's not about fame for me, it's about getting her the best care, the best therapist. The doctors told me my daughter was never going to walk or talk. I'm gonna get that for her."

IRSF would like to heartily congratulate Angela for her endurance as a mother and talent as a singer and wish her great success as she continues to compete on the show.

From all of us at IRSF, thank you, Angela!