David Clements, a local
freelance photographer and advocate for the International Rett Syndrome
Foundation, was recently interviewed by host Lou Garino on Business
Newsmakers Radio 1110 KTEK-AM, a Wall St. Journal Radio Network, Bloomberg
Radio Station in Houston. Clements discussed his personal journey of raising funds
and awareness for Rett Syndrome with his close friend, Kevin Black, over the
last decade.
Rett Syndrome is a
neurological disorder that primarily affects girls developmentally at the age
of 12-16 months. Victims begin life without physical symptoms but, with the
onset of the disease, they eventually regress as they lose their ability to
walk, talk and use hand signals. One out of every 15,000 ‘Silent Angels’ -- a
term of endearment used to refer to the children with Rett Syndrome since they
lose the ability to communicate -- will die from this disease. Cortney, Kevin
Black’s daughter and niece of country music icon Clint Black, inspired this
foundation when she passed away after years of suffering. Clements partnered
with Black to bring international awareness, for he could not bear the thought
of burying his own child.
With an ongoing push to
find the cure, Clements and Black decided to publish “Raising a Hand; the
Book”, a book of essays and photos that feature music legends such as Merle
Haggard, Paul McCartney, Steve Miller, Stevie Nicks, Willie Nelson and dozens
more in the iconic "hand in the air" pose. All proceeds from the book
will help fund Rett Syndrome research.
