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Kids Fest is being to put on to help raise awareness about Factor X, the genetic condition that Winston (pictured) has.

Jennifer Keith's four and half year old son has Fragile X syndrome: a genetic condition that causes developmental delays, mental challenges and the leading known cause of autism.  What many don't know, though, is that Winston isn't so different from other kids.

"He's fun loving, outgoing, and can do things like other kids, just slower," Keith said.  "He always will give his very best."

To raise awareness about Fragile X, Keith is working with MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of Roanoke, North and the Virginia Fragile X Resource Group, both organizations she is heavily involved with, to put on Kids Fest.  This event will be held in Troutville Park on July 22 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. It is open to kids of all ages, but geared toward the 10 and under crowd.  Kids activites such as bubbles, temporary tattoos, crafts, snacks, and a visit by the Troutville Fire Department's fire trucks are a few of the things kids attending have to look forward to.  For the adults, the Sheriff's office will be conducting car seat checks.

One of Keith's personal passions is the Special Olympics' campaign to "Spread the word to end the word." At the event, she plans to encourage parents and kids not to use "the r-word."  The website describes goal of the Special Olympics campaign as an effort to help "people stop and think about their hurtful and disparaging use of the word 'retard.'"

Come out to support a good cause, have some fun, and maybe you can learn a thing or two!

Those wishing to make a donation to support Fragile X research can go to www.fragilex.org.

Photo submitted by Jennifer Keith

By Rebecca Holland