The Great Rett Shootout

03/27/2026

On Valentine’s Day of 2017 we received the call, after years of searching for answers, that Dayton had Rett Syndrome. We had been let down numerous times by Colorado hospitals who constantly misdiagnosed her. We made the decision to move to Houston and what a perfect decision it was, as we finally found a hospital, Texas Children’s, who was determined to give us answers. It was devastating but it lit a fire in us as well. My wife, who has an IQ that far exceeds my simple mind started researching everything there is to know about Rett Syndrome. I wanted to make a difference myself but am in no way smart enough to be a doctor who could find a cure. Together, we decided that raising money is something I know how to do and could make an impact (turns out Amanda is better at that than I am as well 😀) so we created The Great Rett Shootout. This is our 7th Annual Event and to date we’ve raised over $150,000. You can help us in this journey by donating, sponsoring or registering a team. It’s a blast…clay shoot, crawfish boil (best crawfish you will ever taste by Mike’s Mike's K-Jun Spice ), live music, raffles and so much more! Thank you to our title sponsors Johnson Supply and Ironclad Environmental Solutions, your generosity means the world to our girls!

Date: Friday, April 24, 2026 Time:Registration - NoonEvent Begins - 1 p.m. Location: Blackwood Sporting Co.(11400 FM 2854, Conroe, TX 77304) Event Chair: Kent & Amanda Shirley (email) Event Details:  Join us for a day of camaraderie, competition, and purpose a...

02/28/2026

This is why we started The Great Rett Shootout. A cure is within reach but the fight is a long way from being over! https://give.rettsyndrome.org/event/2026-great-rett-shootout/e765845

Today, Neurogene Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to NGN-401, its investigational gene therapy for Rett syndrome.

Breakthrough Therapy designation is intended to help expedite the development and review process, potentially allowing promising therapies to move through the regulatory pathway more efficiently. For individuals and families living with Rett, regulatory milestones like this represent meaningful progress in the continued effort to develop potential new treatment options.

Read more directly from Neurogene here:
- Press Release: https://ir.neurogene.com/news-releases/news-release-details/neurogene-announces-fda-breakthrough-therapy-designation-ngn-401
- Community Letter: https://www.neurogene.com/letter-to-our-rett-syndrome-community-february-26-2026/

02/18/2026

02/11/2026

It’s that time of year again! Please join us for our 7th annual sporting clay event and help us find a cure for Dayton and all of her Rett sisters. We are getting closer. Looking forward to seeing everyone! Sign up here to secure your team’s spot and if you can’t attend, there is also a donation tab so don’t be shy 😊

Date: Friday, April 24, 2026 Time:Registration - NoonEvent Begins - 1 p.m. Location: Blackwood Sporting Co.(11400 FM 2854, Conroe, TX 77304) Event Chair: Kent & Amanda Shirley (email) Event Details:  Join us for a day of camaraderie, competition, and purpose a...

05/03/2025

The numbers are in and the support was overwhelming! We raised over $24,000 last Friday at The Great Rett Shootout! This brings our total raised to over $150,000 in the 6 years my wife and I have hosted this event. Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors, our host Blackwood Sporting Co, our food provider Michael Skelly at K-Jun Spice, Sheriff Doolittle for leading us in prayer, our continued supporters and a special thanks to my amazing family! My Wife, Amanda, who is my rock and is the brains behind this operation (both the charity event and running our crazy family), my brother, Kevin and his wife Holly, my sister, Kendra, who flew out from Arizona and was such an incredible support during this chaos, all my nieces and nephews, Dayton’s teachers, nurses, and aids and all of my coworkers and friends who continue to donate and support us as we fight for a cure. Also, a special shoutout to Kari Martin and her family for their incredible support! Last but not least Johnson HVAC Supply who is our title sponsor, thank you Steve Wood and the Morell family for all of your support!

04/21/2025

LAST CALL! Still a few team spots left to help us find a cure for Rett Syndrome. Come join us or feel free to donate if you can’t make it out this Friday, April 25, 2025. Thank you to our Title Sponsor Johnson HVAC Distribution! They are such a great company and always so giving!

Date: Friday, April 25, 2025 Time:Registration from: 12pmEvent: 1-4pm Location: Blackwood Sporting Co.(11400 FM 2854, Conroe, TX 77304) Event Chair: Kent & Amanda Shirley (email) Event Details:  On the day of the event, registration will open at 12pm, CST in t...

03/27/2025

12 years ago on March 27tb, my wife and I received the greatest blessing 2 people could ever have, being called mom and dad! Happy Birthday Dayton! You are the kindest, strongest and most honest person on this earth! Your mom and I have learned so much from you and you inspire all those around you, even though you have never spoken a word to them. We thank God everyday for entrusting us to be your parents and we will never stop fighting for you!

If you want to help and have the chance to meet Dayton then please join us on April 25th in Conroe, TX where she will be hosting her 6th annual charity event. If you can not make it then please consider donating. Dayton gives ALL proceeds to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, where they are making great strides in finding a cure, for her and all of her Rett sisters and brothers, for this debilitating condition. We can’t wait to see everyone! Link below:

Date: Friday, April 25, 2025 Time:Registration from: 12pmEvent: 1-4pm Location: Blackwood Sporting Co.(11400 FM 2854, Conroe, TX 77304) Event Chair: Kent & Amanda Shirley (email) Event Details:  On the day of the event, registration will open at 12pm, CST in t...