BROOKFIELD, MO --
It's a story of hope for a Heartland family.
    
Eight years ago Ceirney Wilson, 12, was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a disorder that robbed her of her speech and mental capabilities.
    
But miraculous research, paired with a group of motorcycle enthusiasts has given the family hope that she will one day get her voice back.

For the third year, bikers will hit the open highway on July 16 for Ceirney's Ride for Rett Syndrome. That's a genetic neurological disorder in girls that affects their speech, mobility, and digestive system.

Ceirney's diagnosis was atypical because the disorder didn't hit her until age four, when she was already walking and talking.

“It was like somebody switched off a light switch. All of a sudden one day, the switch was turned off, and I've always felt like if they could ever find that switch, that could turn her back on, then we'd be back in the game, and it seems that's exactly what's taking place now,” said Chuck Wilson, Ceirney’s dad.

It seems that a cure for Rett Syndrome is on the horizon. The disorder has already been reversed in laboratory animals. On January 18, the day Cierney turned 12 years old, her dad learned of a trial phase where insulin based growth hormone is being tested on humans at Boston Children's Hospital.

“It was the best birthday gift that all of us could even wish for,” Wilson said.

If all goes according to plan, Ceirney will be part of the phase two trial this fall. Researchers believe that all of Ceirney's mental capabilities will start coming back.

“If I could go to the moon and find a cure I would try to find a way to get there, so Boston is a lot closer,” Wilson said.

With the hope of a cure just around the corner, that makes this year's motorcycle rally even more special.

“To actually be able to see that this money is going for a possible cure is something that is a gift from God,” Wilson said.
    
Ceirney's Ride for Rett Syndrome raises about $5,000 each year for the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. Join in the fun Saturday, July 16 in Brookfield to ride for a cure and be part of a modern-day miracle.
    
A freewill donation breakfast and Registration for the ride start at 8 a.m. All vehicles are welcome to take part in the Poker Run. The fee is $20 per rider, $10 for each passenger. All registered participants will receive a memorable patch. The ride will take off at approximately 10 a.m.

Other events include a freewill donation BBQ Dinner, Biker Games, Auction, and DJ.

Click here to pre-register or make a donation.

For more information, call 660-202-9441.