Living in a small town can be one of life’s greatest blessings. Not only are you friends with everyone, but also the support that comes with that friendship is humbling- especially when tragedy strikes.
Ryleigh Meree Stegall was a happy, normal 3-year-old who loved playing with her friends. She had long, brown hair and an infectious smile that would melt your heart. In June of 2000, Ryleigh was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, which turned the Stegall world upside down. The necessary chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants that followed robbed Ryleigh of her beautiful hair; however, the smile was still as infectious as ever.
In the fall of 2002, Ryleigh was able to begin kindergarten, but by March 2003, she had relapsed, which meant more treatments and the end of her attending school. For the next four years, Ryleigh and her Nana (Dean Stegall) had school at home, which included countless hours walking and enjoying nature. It was during those walks that Ryleigh’s love and fascination with butterflies began.
As news of Ryleigh’s devastating illness spread countywide, the kindness that touched the family was overwhelming. From the day she diagnosed until the day she died, September 14, 2007, the outpouring of love, concern, and generosity was monumental.
The continuous support during her battle inspired her family to create a foundation to give something back to the community who had given so much to them. In October of 2007, the Butterfly Foundation was established in Ryleigh’s memory.
Our Aim is to give financial assistance to families in Wayne County, Tennessee and the surrounding areas who have children with life-threatening or life-altering illnesses.
Annual Butterfly 5K |
The Butterfly 5K Run/Walk is our major fundraising event for the foundation. Please join us for our annual Annual Butterfly 5K Run/Walk as a participant and/or a sponsor and help us make a difference in the lives of many more children and their families.
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Annual Coloring Contest |
A coloring Contest that takes place in Wayne County for grade school Children in the 1st and 5th Grade.
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Ryleigh's Walk |
Every year Children from Wayne County Participate in Ryleigh’s Walk!!
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Community Events |
We take part in a number of events in our community. Most recently the Lawrenceburg Kiwanis Club BBQ and Ride for Others Motorcycle Ride were held on our behalf with all the proceeds donated to us. We had a blast raising money for the foundation.
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100% of your donation goes to the Children and Families
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Children Served
Years serving our community!
Money Given to Families
I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or whether I am now a butterfly dreaming I am a man.
--Zhuangzi
“How does one become butterfly?' Pooh asked pensively. 'You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar,' Piglet replied. 'You mean to die?' asked Pooh. 'Yes and no,' he answered. 'What looks like you will die, but what's really you will live on.”
― A.A. Milne
Thank you for supporting The Butterfly Foundation!