Known to everyone as “Smiley Ryleigh” for her joyful personality and bright spirit, Ryleigh is now facing an unexpected medical crisis. This fundraiser has been set up to help her parents, Emily and Jason, cover the overwhelming costs of treatment and care as they focus fully on their daughter.

Recently, Ryleigh’s health began to decline rapidly. After many urgent doctor visits, she was diagnosed with Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Ataxia Syndrome (OMAS)—a very rare neurological condition (0.18 cases per million). In children, OMAS is most often caused by neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer.

Doctors are working tirelessly to confirm the cause through a full-body MRI. If a tumor is found, Ryleigh may need surgery, chemotherapy, and possibly radiation. Even if no tumor is immediately visible, OMAS still requires aggressive treatment and lifelong monitoring.

Right now, Ryleigh is already undergoing treatment, including:

IVIG therapy

High-dose IV steroids

Rituximab (an anti-cancer medication)

Ongoing care from pediatric neurology, neuroimmunology, and hematology/oncology teams

Despite the fear and uncertainty, Ryleigh is in the very best hands—not only because of her medical team, but because of her parents, Emily and Jason. From the beginning, Emily trusted her instincts and advocated fiercely when she knew her baby needed more than the first answers she was given. Because she pushed for specialized care at a hospital with the right resources, Ryleigh now has a stronger chance at recovery.

From the very beginning, Ryleigh’s life has been marked by faith. The song ‘Waymaker’ played as she entered the world, and today we believe those words more than ever: God is here, working in our midst, making a way even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Please join us in lifting up Ryleigh with your prayers, love, and support.