I met Ryleigh and her mom through Facebook. Her photo kept showing up on my feed. Her mom was asking if anyone had Similac coupons they were willing to send to her. Ryleigh only eats Similac Alimentum which is $30 per can....yes...you read correctly, $30 per can! At first I didn't read...then it showed up again...and again...okay...I was intrigued to find out her story and read the post. Heart squeezes...not just from the post...but from one of the other moms commenting. She was trying to figure out a way to raise funds and I just felt nudged to contact her. I was supposed to offer her my experience with fundraising. With a little back and forth and some prayers, we both realized that He was nudging us together. Soon, as she put out the call for reinforcements for this endeavor, the circle was formed...Ryleigh's new village. None of us knew each other, but we were all sure we were supposed to work together to raise funds for this little jewel.
The Jewel
Ryleigh is special and when I say special I mean the kind of special that when you meet her you know that God himself smiles each and every time that child smiles. Have you ever been in the presence of such extraordinary that you felt it? It beams off of her in such a way that you don't doubt for a second her preciousness.
Ryleigh's doctors have always had a list of couldn't(s) and won't(s)....including that she wouldn't live this long, wouldn't sit up, etc....she has defied so many of those! You see, she was born one of a kind in more ways than one....she was born with a rare genetic disorder....so rare that it doesn't have a name, still a combo of letters and numbers, 7p 14.3 Copy + Gain. No foundations or non-profits with catchy slogans raising funds in her honor, no .org's or ribbon clad groups advocating for her care or awareness.
Her parents and brothers and village in Arab, Alabama had been helping, but He has put us together...across the way, over here in Madison County, AL. You see...the group that we were commenting on covers several counties. We put out the call and threw our names in and then decided the where....when it came time to meet, one of the moms offered up her home that has become the place my car naturally heads at 5:30pm every Tuesday. When we all first met, we realized we were all from the same area, kinda smiled knowingly, recognizing again what we first knew...Ryleigh must be really special. He's got plans for her and they included this group.
As we worked to put together a fundraiser, things just kept falling into place, generous act after generous act, just kept popping up around us. We also became support for each other. When one was going through a tough time, the others would surround her. It was incredible that if one had a question or needed a contact, that answer was in the group....
Finally, we got to meet little Ryleigh. We were speechless...I can say that throughout the past months of meetings that hasn't ever happened :) To meet her once is all it takes....I describe it as being wrapped around her cute little finger. You understand she is so much more than the list of variants and diagnoses that she will encounter over the next years that listed are taller than her. She's sweetness and beauty, with a little sassy thrown in for good measure. She's a fighter...determined, with a smile that could light up any room. I dare anyone to try not to smile back!
You know what she is? She's blessed. She was given to parents and brothers who fight for her so fiercely, who just want to let their little girl have what the rest of so desperately want...a chance, opportunity.
That's what this upcoming fundraiser is about. Raising It For Ryleigh-The Event is an event to raise funds for Ryleigh Brannon and her family to use as needed to help her accomplish what she needs to accomplish. Medical expenses, food, equipment, etc....all of it for her is expensive and our goal is to help out with some of those costs. Below are links for the event(which is FREE), event website, facebook pages, and Ryleigh information.
Saturday, November 23, 2013 Raising It For Ryleigh 5:30-8pm
Blue Pants Brewery in Madison, AL with childcare option at KidVenture next door(woohoo!!)
Live music, food, drinks, Silent Auction(100% of proceeds go to Ryleigh), Sugar Belle Cupcake truck
The event will be in the taproom and in the brewroom. Admission is FREE, food and drink are prepared and charged at Blue Pants and Sugar Belle menu and prices. KidVenture kid-care is at a reduced rate but older children are certainly welcome, Blue Pants in not a 21 and older facility.
The silent auction items are great, you could enjoy an evening, let your kids play next door, AND get your Christmas shopping done....and your dollars are going to assist a cutie patootie little girl that needs the opportunities.
Website: http://
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/678434278841615/
Ryleigh Information: https://www.facebook.com/SupportRyleigh
So, I'll close this post with how in awe of this little girl I am....and even more so of Him. You meet her and know His power is strong and that the joy we can find in seeing His light in others is immense and sharing it as a village makes for some amazing times!
I hope to see you this Saturday evening!
kk
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