Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Claxton.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Leaping Butterfly is a nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by Debbie Browne to honor and celebrate her daughter’s journey with Turner syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects development in females, where simply living and thriving is often nothing short of extraordinary.
What began as a deeply personal mission to support one diagnosis quickly revealed a broader need within the genetic condition community.
In 2014, Cynthia Claxton stepped into the role of Executive Director, taking full leadership of the organization and strategically expanding the mission to serve individuals and families impacted by all genetic conditions.
This evolution was also deeply personal — her son, Michael, was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a rare, progressive genetic condition that affects the nervous system and mobility, and his life continues to be a profound and miraculous journey marked by courage, endurance, and unwavering strength.
Through these experiences, it became clear that regardless of the diagnosis, families navigating genetic conditions often share similar challenges — uncertainty, isolation, and the need for compassionate, ongoing support.
Today, Leaping Butterfly walks alongside individuals and caregivers affected by genetic conditions by offering prayer support, meaningful community connections, and free book donations that provide encouragement and guidance. At its heart, the organization is a sanctuary of hope, where no one faces a genetic condition journey alone.
In every diagnosis, there is still hope — and a place for it to grow.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Like many nonprofits, Leaping Butterfly spent its early years discerning how best to serve the community and where it could make the greatest impact within the genetic condition space.
A major turning point came when Debbie Browne published her book, Loving a Leaping Butterfly. Through her heartfelt story of faith, resilience, and advocacy while raising a daughter with Turner syndrome (TS), families began to see that they were not alone—and that there was an organization committed to supporting those navigating this genetic condition.
As awareness grew, so did the need. One of the most urgent challenges we encountered was hearing loss among women with Turner syndrome, many of whom could not afford hearing aids. In response, Leaping Butterfly mobilized donors to help meet this need. Between 2015 and 2020, 41 sets of hearing aids were donated — transforming lives in profound ways as recipients experienced sound in ways many of us take for granted. It remains one of the most meaningful chapters in our journey.
Like many organizations, the pandemic brought significant challenges, particularly in fundraising and sustaining momentum. It required us to refocus, adapt, and find new ways to serve.
Today, Leaping Butterfly continues to support individuals and families affected by genetic conditions by providing national and local resource connections. But most importantly, we remain deeply rooted in prayer. Supporting our community through prayer has been the most consistent and heartfelt request over the years, and our prayer team continues to faithfully walk alongside those we serve —believing for provision, encouragement, and hope in every situation.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As Executive Director of Leaping Butterfly, I lead the vision, direction, and outreach of the organization, ensuring everything we do remains centered on supporting individuals and families affected by genetic conditions. I focus on building meaningful connections — whether that’s guiding families to resources, coordinating outreach, or simply being present in moments when encouragement is needed most.
What makes our organization truly unique is that it is entirely volunteer-driven. I serve on a volunteer basis, alongside a dedicated ministry team and board members who each balance full-time responsibilities. Their commitment is extraordinary, and we continually lift one another up in prayer so we can keep showing up for the families we serve.
What I’m most proud of is that Leaping Butterfly has remained deeply personal in its impact. We don’t just serve a community. We walk alongside it. Whether through support, connection, or prayer, our mission is to ensure that no one facing a genetic condition feels alone.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The qualities that have been most important to my journey are tenacity, a foundation grounded in faith, and a deep compassion for the individuals and families we serve. The work we do is not always easy. There are challenges, uncertainties, and moments that require perseverance, but I’ve learned to remain steady and committed, trusting that each step forward has purpose. My faith has been the anchor that keeps me focused and resilient, especially during seasons when the path isn’t clear.
At the same time, I see myself as a Hope Advocate. Every interaction is an opportunity to remind someone that they are not alone and that their story still holds meaning and possibility. Compassionate care is at the heart of everything we do at Leaping Butterfly, and I strive to lead in a way that reflects both empathy and encouragement, ensuring that hope is not just something we talk about, but something we actively bring into the lives of others.
Pricing:
- Donations Only
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leapingbutterfly.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LBministry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeapingButterfly/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leaping-butterfly-inc-ab099819a
