International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF)

Created from the July 1, 2007 merger of the International Rett Syndrome Association and the Rett Syndrome Research Foundation, the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) is the world’s largest private funder of scientific research seeking a cure for Rett Syndrome. The core mission of the IRSF is to fund research for treatments and a cure for Rett Syndrome and enhancing the overall quality of life for those living with Rett Syndrome.

In Late 2007, the Colorful Tomorrow Foundation’s Board of Trustees was made aware of Rett Syndrome (RS), and was motivated to provide more colorful tomorrows for children afflicted with RS. The Colorful Tomorrow Foundation initiated an employee fundraiser throughout the month of January to raise funds and awareness for this debilitating neurological disorder diagnosed almost exclusively in young females.

Inspired by the generosity of the Konica Minolta employees, Jun Haraguchi, President and CEO of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. implemented a corporate matching program, where he authorized the matching of all employee donations dollar-for-dollar. The final contribution led to an increased number of little girls that were accepted for treatment at a new, state-of-the-art clinic in New Brunswick, NJ designed to provide specialized treatment and testing to work on a cure for RS.

The money was presented to the IRSF on Friday 2008 during a special luncheon to honor the Konica Minolta employee donors – as well as the IRSF management team.