Lucy Belle McLaughlin

Lucy Belle’s Story: Rallying Love for a Van That Will Carry Her Forward

Lucy Belle McLaughlin is a radiant 14-year-old girl living with Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH), a rare and terminal genetic condition she shares with her big sister, Ellie Kate, who went to Heaven in 2012. Though medically fragile, Lucy Belle’s life shines with joy, courage, and the purest love. Every day she faces battles most of us will never know, yet she continues to smile, to bring light, and to remind everyone around her of God’s grace and goodness even in the hardest places.

Her mama, Ryan, is one of the most selfless, faith-filled women you could ever meet. For years she has poured herself out for others, loving and serving families in the medically fragile and special needs community through her ministry, Hopelink, and later through Ellie Kate’s Butterfly Wishes. She has lifted weary hearts, celebrated miracles both big and small, and stood shoulder to shoulder with parents walking roads like her own.

Now it’s time for us to rally around Ryan, Lucy Belle, and their family and give back even a small measure of the love they have poured into so many.

 Why a Handicap-Accessible Van Matters

Lucy Belle is growing, and her family’s current vehicle is no longer safe or practical for her needs. Transferring her in and out has become physically difficult and increasingly risky. She needs a new handicap-accessible van, one that allows her to stay safely in her wheelchair, travel with her medical equipment, and be surrounded by comfort and care wherever she goes.

This van will mean: Safe, dignified transportation for Lucy Belle Freedom for her family to take her to appointments, therapies, and outings with ease Relief from the physical and emotional strain of lifting and transferring her The chance to make more memories together and to live, love, and laugh in the precious years the Lord continues to give her

The total cost for a new van, including tax, title, and necessary fees, comes to about $80,000. This is the amount the family needs to raise to ensure Lucy Belle has safe, reliable, and accessible transportation.

 How You Can Make a Difference

This is more than a fundraiser. It is an opportunity to lift up a family that has faithfully lifted up so many others. It is a chance to honor Ellie Kate’s legacy and to celebrate Lucy Belle’s beautiful, brave life.

Whether you know the McLaughlins personally or are just meeting them through this story, your gift matters. Every prayer, every share, and every donation brings them closer to reaching their goal.

Let’s show Ryan, Lucy Belle, and the whole McLaughlin family that they are not walking this road alone. Let’s give them the gift of safety, dignity, and freedom, a van that will carry Lucy Belle forward, surrounded by love every mile of the way.