Leslie Malton

According to the dictionary of the Brothers Grimm, a patron — in German a Schirmherr, literally an "umbrella lord" — is a person who "exercises protection over a town, a country and the like, or over a person."

I would never presume to interpret patronage as it applies to me in the way the Brothers Grimm described it — except where the protection of a person is concerned. That is a task I have taken on for my sister Marion, practically since the day she was born.

And this is also what Elternhilfe does: it holds its umbrella over our girls, women and boys with the "speaking eyes."

An enormous task, and one that everyone at Elternhilfe carries out with the deepest conviction and with heartfelt devotion.

That Elternhilfe has asked me to be the patron of the 9th European Rett Summit is an honour that moves me greatly, and one I would like to fulfil as worthily as I possibly can. I feel exactly the same about my role as ambassador for Elternhilfe. Providing information about Rett syndrome, educating people and raising awareness is something I care about deeply and consider of the very greatest importance.

It was this concern that led to the publication, in 2015, of the book Brief an meine Schwester (Letter to My Sister). It tells the story of my sister's life and that of our family, and of the long road to a diagnosis that came only when she was 52 years old.

It is a great joy for me to be able to read from my book at the opening of the summit, and that Roswitha Quadflieg, my co-author, will be there as well.

A great deal of work has gone into organising this summit — much of it voluntary. To everyone who has contributed their time, their organisational talent and skill, and their warmth of heart to make this summit possible, I would like to express my deepest thanks.

I wish you many inspiring encounters, and I look forward to seeing you!

With warmest regards,
Leslie Malton