The Butterfly Foundation

The Butterfly foundation was established in in Ryleigh Meree Stegall’s Memory. The focus of the Butterfly foundation is to give financial assistance to families in Middle Tennessee who have children with life-threatening or life-altering illnesses.

Ryleigh’s Story

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.

RYLEIGH REMEMBERED

Private donors cover our operating costs so 100% of your donation will help Middle Tennessee Families

OUR MISSION

We are  small, passionate and powerful team of volunteers!

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.

Our Events

Annual Butterfly 5K

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.

Annual Coloring Contest

Annual Coloring Contest

A coloring Contest that takes place in Wayne County for grade school Children in the 1st and 5th Grade.

Ryleigh's Walk

Ryleigh's Walk

Every year Children from Wayne County Participate in Ryleigh’s Walk!!

Community Events

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.

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

DONATE

100% of your donation goes to the Children and Families

PARTNER

Join a community of over 300 individuals, corporations, and foundations who believe in supporting Middle Tennessee families

VOLUNTEER

Want to help change the world? You’re not alone. Join a volunteer chapter in your city or start a chapter today. The world needs you to lead.

GIVE MONTHLY

Help Middle Tennessee Families by joining (CLUBNAME), our monthly giving community.

PLEDGE A BIRTHDAY

Ask for donations instead of gifts and your birthday will change lives.

FUNDRAISE

Do something crazy to raise money for Middle Tennessee Children

SHARE, SHARE, SHARE

Tell your Friends and Family about us. Share our posts!

Shop at Amazon Smile

When you shop at Amazon Smile, Amazon will donate to the Butterfly Foundation!

PARTICIPATE

Take Part in one of our many events.

322

Children Served

14

Years serving our community!

$807,620.00

Money Given to Families

Butterfly Quotes

THE BUTTERFLY FOUNDATION

RYLEIGH REMEMBERED

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Thank you for supporting The Butterfly Foundation!