hope, strength, restoration and inspiration
THE INSPIRATION
I think back, to the words that would change my family's life forever, "your son has leukemia." The feelings of shock, worry, and denial had
to be put aside as we began a new journey of life down a path not chosen.
Our four year old son Dylan, weakened by the disease that had overtaken his body, still had the strength driven by his anger to fight off the nurses as they inserted IV after IV. Confusion and fear showed clearly on his little face as he gazed up at me wondering, "mommy, why are they doing this to me?" I realized at that moment, that kids with a life-threatening illness are families with a life-threatening illness.
It affects families emotionally, as well as financially. They need fun, laughter, courage, and memories and yet very often they cannot afford these types of experiences. Sometimes, these children are taken from us at such an early time in their lives. To let them live each day to it's full potential, and support the families in doing everything they can to enrich these children's short lives is the legacy our family would like
to leave.
My dream is to take the most joyous and empowering moments of my life, time with horses, and share this experience with children and their families who have been stricken with a life-threatening illness. I have created the "Leg-Up Ranch", a place for afflicted children to participate in therapeutic riding, enjoy life away from technology, and allow families to talk to each other. These families are bound by a common ground many cannot fathom.
My family's hope and desire is that our passion, experience, and knowledge about horses, ranching and cancer, coupled with our beautiful Julian ranch, will fulfill many dreams.