‘Raising it for Ryleigh” helps two-year-old’s valiant fight for health
Ryleigh Brannon has a chromosome disorder, so rare it is unnamed. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – A benefit for two-year-old Ryleigh Elizabeth Brannon is helping the child’s family with her ongoing medical struggles.
Ryleigh’s parents, Eric and Shelley Brannon, agreed for some Madison mothers to host the “Raising it for Ryleigh” fundraiser at Blue Pants Brewery.
“The Raising it for Ryleigh team, through the kindness of so many but all with a heart for Ryleigh, passed along that generosity of over $7,000,” co-organizer Kristen Kulavich said. “As a team member, I’m honored to see this event come full circle from a small group of moms that couldn’t get that sweet little girl’s story out of our hearts to a much larger ‘village’ to care for and love on Ryleigh and her family.”
Ryleigh has a chromosome disorder, so rare it is unnamed. The disorder has caused a tethered spinal cord, dwarfism and thinning of brain nerves. Ryleigh weighs about 20 pounds.
Donations ranged from $10 to several hundred, co-organizer Brenda Cornett said.
At the fundraiser, more than 150 guests met Ryleigh and her family. Sugar Belle Cupcakes served sweets. KidVenture hosted children. “We’re extremely grateful to all individuals, businesses, restaurants and organizations that assisted with this event,” Kulavich said.
After the event, people are continuing to donate. Casa Blanca and Grounded Coffee are helping, and A Nurturing Moment is selling hair bows made by Shelley Brannon.
“Ryleigh is thriving despite all her many challenges,” Kulavich said. “She has started babbling and showing interest in others. She is also developing more movement ability than doctors thought impossible.”
Ryleigh’s situation was publicized when Ellie Cornett, a Madison Elementary School sixth-grader, launched a website for donations. “Ellie did an amazing job of planning for a family in need. She made such an impact,” assistant principal Britt Lovelace said.
For information or to make donations, email to raisingitforryleigh@gmail.com or visit raisingitforryleigh.wix.com/raisingitforryleigh or Facebook/SupportRyleigh for all donors.
