As supporters packed the Eagles Lodge on Saturday, Rylee Ramsey stepped into the spotlight to thank the community for helping in her time of need.

“We’re very grateful for your support,” she said with a wide, bright smile on her face.

Then Ramsey shared the good news: “The hematoma is gone.”

While practicing for the Cody Nite Rodeo on Tuesday, Aug. 27, a strong gust of wind pushed through the canyon to the west and spooked Ramsey’s horse. She tried to control BJ, her quarterhorse, but they hit some gravel and went down. Ramsey hit hard, landing on her head. She was diagnosed with a linear skull fracture and a severe concussion in Cody and was later found to have bleeding on her brain.

With multiple medical bills quickly coming in, each for tens of thousands of dollars, Powell-area residents came together Saturday in the Eagles banquet room to show their support. About 150 people hungry to help sat down for dinner, handing out a heaping helping of support.

“Everyone was very generous; it was very touching,” said Stephanie Ramsey, Rylee’s mom. “People we don’t even know came to help and sent donations.”

Rylee Ramsey is paying it forward, too. While in recovery she heard of other families hit hard by tragic accidents — families she doesn’t know, but is inspired to help.

“I’ve learned a little kindness goes a long way,” she said.

The Ramseys’ plan is to split donations on Rylee’s behalf with families that have had recent tragedies, including Haylie Stanger and Trey Tweddle of Cody, who were involved in an accident Sept. 16 near Laurel, Montana. Tweddle died from his injuries while Stanger broke her leg and fractured several other bones. The couple has three young daughters.

“There’s been a lot of things happening and these people haven’t received as much attention,” Ramsey said.

She hasn’t been able to get back in the saddle yet, but still plans to carry out her duties as queen of the 2020 Cody Stampede. She said she’ll be the first queen to wear a helmet during the rodeo. Despite having no memory of the accident, Ramsey plans to play it safe from now on.

“You never think it’s going to happen to you,” she said.

Donations for Haylie Stanger and her family are being accepted online at www.gofundme.com/f/help-haylie-and-trey.