JACOB'S FUND - Tony

Last week we received an e-mail from McKenna Farms with a new photo of one of the children we’ve been helping to receive hippotherapy through Jacob’s Fund. His name is Anthony and we met him earlier this year. He’s been doing therapeutic riding at McKenna Farms for more than two years. After being on the horse, Tony’s sense of accomplishment and confidence soar. He is seventeen and, though he copes with autism, he has a very positive outlook on life. Tony needs every ounce of optimism he can muster.

When funds are available, Tony rides every week, the one constant in his life. Sadly Tony’s mother, Carol, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer last year and pausing for her treatment has drained the family’s financial resources. The funds are depleted.

Tony recently competed in the Equestrian Special Olympics. Thankfully, his mother and some folks from McKenna Farms were on hand to watch him at the event. A representative from McKenna Farms shared these heartfelt words:

“Tony’s mom is extremely grateful for the scholarship he received from Jacob’s Fund. She says Tony will be able to continue doing what he has a passion for – riding. She also said that her cancer came back and they are giving her one year to live. It was heartbreaking to hear her and not be able to do anything.”

While we may not be able to help Carol, we can make a difference in Tony’s life. A regular riding schedule is important for his growth and his ability to cope with autism and the stress of his mother’s illness.

The cost of Tony’s therapeutic riding sessions for one year is $2,600. Jacob’s Fund wants to provide this continuing source of well-being and confidence that Tony so much needs. If you would like to help Tony in this very stressful coming year, please click on the donate button on the right, or send a check to the address at the top right of the page.