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.