Hi, my name is Michael Bailey, and I am starting this GoFundMe on behalf of my girlfriend, Courtney Ballard, and most importantly her sister, Paige, as they face the devastating loss of their mother, Rebecca Ballard.

Rebecca was truly one of a kind. She had a heart of gold and lived her life in service of others, especially those most often overlooked by society. For 11 years, she served as the Special Olympics Coordinator for Nelson County, dedicating her time, energy, and love to helping individuals with special needs shine in ways the world sometimes doesn’t allow them to. Rebecca’s passion was ensuring that those who are most marginalized felt seen, celebrated, and valued. Her life’s work was an inspiration, and her impact will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.

Rebecca is preceded in death by her father, Gerald Gerard Mattingly, and leaves behind her two beloved daughters: Courtney Ballard of Louisville and Paige Ballard of Bardstown, as well as her mother, Deborah Lynn Clark Mattingly of New Haven, and her brother, Dallas Mattingly (Amber) of Campbellsville.

Courtney and Paige are now navigating life without their mother, and the road ahead is especially challenging for Paige, who has special needs and depended so deeply on Rebecca’s love and care. My heart breaks for both of them, but I’ve also seen firsthand the strength, compassion, and resilience they carry within them, which is the very qualities Rebecca instilled.

This GoFundMe is not about charity; it’s about community. It’s about rallying around two incredible sisters who are facing a future none of us ever want to imagine. Any contributions will go directly toward helping Courtney and Paige with immediate expenses, long-term support, and ensuring Paige continues to have the care, stability, and opportunities her mother fought so hard to provide her.

Rebecca spent her life giving so much to others. Now, in her honor, I’m asking that we come together to give back to the daughters she loved most. Even the smallest contribution is a way to carry her legacy of kindness forward.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for considering helping Courtney and Paige during this unimaginably difficult time.