Butterfly Friends Foundation -
Hi, I’m Ayan Ganesh. I’m 15 years old and a sophomore at Winchester Thurston School in Pittsburgh. When I was four years old, my little sister Eira was born. From the very beginning, Eira showed me what it means to be strong and joyful, even when life isn’t easy. Though she faced many medical challenges and spent a lot of time in hospitals, our family never let her health limit the adventures we shared together.
Growing up, my family made sure we experienced the world — from crystal-blue beaches to the tallest mountain peaks. We spent weekends going out for brunch and topping it off with a scoop of ice cream. We rode our bikes along the Monongahela River and explored our city, making memories that I will carry forever.
In 2018, our family grew when our dog Rio joined us. In 2019, my baby sister Nisa was born. Through every up and down, one thing remained constant: our time together.
When Eira passed away in 2023, our family lost a piece of our heart — but her love and spirit live on in all of us. To honor Eira’s memory, I created the Butterfly Friends Foundation. This foundation gives families of children with special needs the chance to travel and make lasting memories — just like we did with Eira.
Through every wave, every grain of sand, and every butterfly, I feel Eira with me. My hope is that the Butterfly Friends Foundation will help other families discover that adventure is always possible, and that every child deserves a chance to see the world — no matter their circumstances. Thank you for learning about my story. I hope you’ll join me in keeping Eira’s legacy alive by spreading love, joy, and carefree moments to families everywhere.
