Rylee smiling wide
Rylee’s Story
Grace, resilience, quiet strength
Rooted in creativity, joy, and faith, Rylee’s 14-year journey continues to inspire families facing Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
Read Her Journey
Rylee’s Journey
Rylee was the heart of the Monahan family — the embodiment of grace, resilience, and quiet strength. A talented artist, a devoted golfer, and deeply rooted in her faith, Rylee lived her 14 years with a spirit that left a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know her. Her beautiful smile radiated warmth and joy, and her legacy continues to shine through her family, friends, and the work of Rylee’s Legacy Foundation.

In January 2024, Rylee passed away after an almost five-year battle with three primary cancers: a brain tumor (astrocytoma), bone cancer (osteosarcoma), and a rare soft tissue cancer (angiosarcoma) on her ovary.
Rylee holding colorful flowers while posing for a formal picture outdoors
Rylee and Ryan smiling outside excited to eat birthday cake
What is Li-Fraumeni Syndrome?
All of Rylee’s cancers were linked to Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS), a rare inherited genetic disorder that significantly increases the risk of developing multiple types of cancer, often at a young age. Rylee, her sister, and her father were all diagnosed with LFS in 2013, following her father Ryan’s third cancer diagnosis. There is no cure for LFS, and current management relies entirely on vigilance — with frequent full-body and brain MRIs in hopes of detecting cancers early.

Despite her difficult journey, Rylee never complained. She never cried in front of us. Instead, she faced each new challenge with courage and compassion — often more concerned about the well-being of her care team and family than herself. Her selfless spirit continues to inspire us every day.
Read More at LFSA
Rylee’s Legacy
Raising awareness and funding breakthrough research
Rylee’s strength and grace moved us to action. Though our family is incredibly close and resilient, we realized how often families affected by LFS are left behind in the race for research funding.

The truth is: better treatments — and ultimately cures — will only come when research dollars are directed toward understanding LFS and the cancers it drives. Importantly, these same cancers affect many pediatric cancer patients without LFS as well.

That’s why we created Rylee’s Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to:
A painting with bright sun beams on a gray background with text that reads shine bright
Artwork by Rylee
Raising Awareness
of Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
Advocating
for LFS Families
Funding research
that leads to real hope for the future
Meet Our Leaders
Ryan and Rylee smiling outdoors
Ryan Monahan
President & Director
Crystal and Rylee smiling outdoors
Crystal Monahan
Treasurer, Secretary, & Director
Megan and Rylee smiling at an Eagle's event
Megan Kahanowitz
Director
"Peace begins with a smile."
— St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
As Rylee once reminded us through her artwork and her smile
Together, we can ensure that Rylee’s legacy fuels progress, inspires change, and brings hope to every family facing LFS.
Get Involved