Miguel Martinez assists his daughter Yasmine, 9, in greeting sixth-graders Kassisdy Cruz and Alyssa Kendall, both 11, who both helped raise money for a Rett Syndrome awareness fundraiser at Nature Ridge Elementary School in Bartlett. Yasmine, has the genetic disease that is similar to severe autism. November 2, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Student fundraisers Kassidy Cruz (left) and Alyssa Kendall, (right) both 11, hold jars of money raised for Rett Syndrome Awareness at Nature Ridge Elementary School in Bartlett with the Martinez family Miguel and Maria and their daughter Yasmine, 9, and son Michael, 5, and their service dog Marley. November 2, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Jars of money sit in the office Friday at Nature Ridge Elementary School in Bartlett. The money was raised for a fundraiser promoting Rett Syndrome awareness. November 2, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Maria Martinez watches over her daughter Yasmine get handed a jar of money by school nurse Jerri McCue Friday at Nature Ridge Elementary School in Bartlett. McCue started the fundraiser at the school for Rett Syndrome awareness. November 2, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Once someone meets Yasmine Martinez, it is impossible to not fall in love with her, says Jerri McCue, nurse at Nature Ridge Elementary in Bartlett. Although Yasmine cannot verbalize what she is thinking, the 9-year-old’s bright eyes and loving nature come across to those who …
