3rd annual Blue Morpho Sunrise Walk slated for April 26

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 9, 2026) – Spring is a time of renewal across the Commonwealth. On April 26, that sense of change will take on added meaning at the 100-acre landscape of The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, as the recently upgraded Alexandra Simpson Butterfly Garden is revealed during the third annual Blue Morpho Sunrise Walk benefiting Golisano Children’s at UK.

The hour-long, daybreak stroll through the Arboretum’s flora was established by UK alumna Melanie Simpson-Conley as a way to channel grief into something meaningful.

“In Alex’s attitude of gratitude, we planned the day focusing on giving back to a community she loved dearly,” said Simpson-Conley. “UK Golisano Children’s is where she received seven extra years in remission thanks to compassionate doctors, nurses and support staff.”

Taking inspiration from the resilience and transformation symbolized by the blue morpho butterfly — one of Alex’s favorites — the walk serves as a tribute to her daughter, who died in 2022 after a decade-long battle with a rare sarcoma. It’s a place that knew Alex long before her illness. As a child, she visited The Arboretum with her mother, where butterflies would frequently land on Alex’s arms during their walks.

“It’s now our mission to carry on her legacy of love and light while focusing attention on her passion projects — UK Golisano Children’s and the Arboretum’s butterfly garden — through this third annual walk… an event that just keeps growing,” said Simpson-Conley. “We feel we’re turning our pain into purpose by building something in Alex’s honor while helping other children on that same childhood cancer journey.”

Recently, friends of Simpson-Conley quietly rallied, collecting funds with the modest goal of replacing the garden’s sign with something more substantial and weather-resistant. The response exceeded expectations. Their collective generosity funded not only the new metal sign, but a brick pathway through the garden.

“Walking through The Arboretum, witnessing its blossoming, provides a glimpse into Alex’s love of butterflies and their natural habitat,” said Lexington family therapist Amy Kessinger, who, along with arboretum volunteer Grace Gorrell, spearheaded the informal fundraising for the permanent marker. “It represents her joyful nature, endless accomplishments and her unmatched creativity. She is forever imprinted on our hearts, especially as we allow the beauty of nature to heal our hearts.”

Simpson-Conley and her husband, Robert Conley, also purchased eight moss-colored planters for the garden. A new wisteria trellis — made possible by a lumber donation from Congleton Lumber & Design Center — completed the transformation.

Beyond the garden, Alex’s legacy continues to take shape across Lexington. This year’s festivities will again extend beyond The Arboretum, with participants invited to a special spring renewal musical performance in Alex’s honor at Central Christian Church, 205 E. Short St. in Lexington. Afterward, guests are invited to the dedication of the ‘ALEX’ Arts in Education Floor at Lexington Children’s Theater. Box lunches will be provided.

In 2024, Alex was posthumously recognized with UK’s highest humanitarian honor, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, for her spirit of love and service to others.

“Alexandra was a curious child with a passion for adventure, learning and sharing. This precocious girl quite simply poured her heart and energy into helping others with all her spirit,” Simpson-Conley said. “Through our memories, we move forward with grief and joy while shining the spotlight on these wonderful organizations that make life better for children facing challenges that Alex navigated through the years.”

More than 150 people attended last year’s walk, a more than 12% increase over the inaugural event. Simpson-Conley hopes the third year draws an even larger crowd.

“Alex, our constant companion, is cheering us on as we all stroll along the path for kids,” she said. “Family, friends — some old and some new — join hands and head off for a sunrise walk to raise awareness. Alex was all about quality of life and would be proud we are turning an ordinary day into something that is extraordinary.”

Registration is free and open to the public. Donations to support the Simpson Family Art in Healing Fund at Golisano Children’s at UK are welcome and can be made online. The Arboretum is at 500 Alumni Drive. Check-in is 6:45 a.m., with a performance by musicians Luke Jackson and Kelli Jo Summers of the Lexington Theatre Company. The walk begins 7 a.m., rain or shine. To register, email kelsey.bruner@uky.edu.