I’ve been spending much time lately speaking to my friends, on the ground, in North Carolina. Thanks to you all, the Bucket Fund has been filling with generous contributions. I will post the most current receipts tomorrow – as we donate to those helping large animals during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. You can read my previous story about the people we are helping, here.
But today… I have another heartbreaking story from North Carolina.
My friend, who I have known since 1995, is a retired reporter in North Carolina. She’s a Mom now, but is still totally hooked into the news networks there… and she has been feeding me many hurricane stories.
But today, she told me about her best friend’s tiny, 9 year-old daughter, Samantha.
Doctors at St. Judes Hospital pulled out a tumor on Sam’s liver, the size of a grapefruit. It is as shocking as it is horrifying… and you and I are strangers to this little girl. Imagine what her family is feeling… unthinkable.
Since June, Sam has been in and out of the hospital, chemo, infections, chemo… illness… health… right now, she is doing well but still suffering the effects of chemo. She turns 10 in May.
And all she has ever wanted was a horse.
When Sam is on a horse, all of this madness just simply goes away.
Because of this, Sam’s parents are hoping to find a mild horse that she can ride. The stable (My Farm Camps in Charlotte) where Sam was taking lessons before all of this, is opening a stall for Sam’s potential horse. My Farm Camp will take over the responsibilities for the horse and give Sam lessons whenever she wants.
The Make a Wish Foundation may also become involved, if needed.
You can read Sam’s story here. (You do have to ‘sign in’ to read. Cannot avoid it.)
Samantha’s cancer is so rare, she is only the 10th child to ever suffer this.
Sam at the riding camp before her diagnosis in June. All she has ever wanted is a horse… I so remember that feeling at her age. I see it in this photo.
MY QUESTION TO YOU, KIND READERS… Do you have a horse for Samantha? All she has ever wanted is a horse to call her own.
Does anyone near the Charlotte area have a suitable, kind, gentle riding horse available to make Sam’s wish come true?
There are many ways this could work… donation, lease…, temporary, permanent…
If you think you might have a horse near the Charlotte area, email me. I will connect you. The horse would live at My Farm Camp in Charlotte, NC.
Personally, I would let her use Dalton in a heartbeat… if I wasn’t completely across the country.
PHOTOS OF SAM…
After surgery, before chemo – Sam with a lesson horse.
After surgery, before chemo.
Horses are so healing… We all know this feeling…
A recent visit to the barn. This is when she forgets all the bad…
After chemo.
Who out there can fulfill her dream? Do you have the right horse for this struggling little one? The stall and upkeep are ready. She just needs to find her horse – and enjoy the remission.
Where the horse would be housed. Click image to go to the website.
THANK YOU!! PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!
