“I just wish people knew how hard her day-to-day life is and that going to this program is her joy for two hours, but those two hours last all week.”
– Angela D, Alexa’s mother
Angela knew the physical benefits of horseback riding, but nothing prepared her for the emotional fulfillment it would give her daughter.
Alexa was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 2. After her third brain surgery at 16, she was tired of the monthlong physical therapy sessions that followed. She asked her mother if there was anything else they could try. When they were invited to a Cancer Retreat at Ironstone Farm, Angela was ecstatic.
At Ironstone Farm, Alexa met dozens of other kids just like her.
The staff and horses treated her like every other rider on the farm. Being able to ride a horse gave Alexa a sense of pride, knowing what her body and mind were capable of.
Since they first started in late 2021, Alexa and her mother have attended almost every monthly Cancer Retreat at the farm.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, they’ve never had to pay.
Being able to attend our Cancer Retreats free of charge is a critical benefit for Angela. “Money is always tight,” she says. “So to have this opportunity and not have to worry, ‘Are we gonna be able to come up with the tuition for it?’ is really nice.”
Your gift allows children like Alexa to ride horses, connect with other kids who understand their struggles, and just be kids for a little while. We believe that every child deserves the chance to experience the joy and confidence that Alexa finds at Ironstone Farm.
This month, a generous donor will match every donation, dollar-for-dollar, if we can raise $10,000 by May 31. Every donation made will go twice as far! Help us reach our goal to ensure that Alexa and others like her can continue to receive our life-changing services at no extra cost to them.