Good Things Come in Pairs and in Threes

We’re thrilled to announce that Jacob’s Fund has begun supporting three new children at McKenna Farms in the greater Atlanta area! This is an outstanding opportunity and challenge for our small organization; we have never supported 3 children in the US at the same time. With your help, we know this endeavor will be a success!


We’d like you to meet each one—Cameron and Landon, and Brandon—to better understand why your help is so critical in their young lives. 

Today we'll focus on our pair, brothers Cameron and Landon. Tomorrow we'll meet Brandon. Be sure to check back for another story you'll want to hear about how The Red Thread is changing lives in the United States.

Meet Cameron and Landon, three-year old identical twins. These beautiful boys were just 18 months old when their mom noticed that some of Landon's behaviors seemed unusual, and scheduled an appointment with the boys' doctor. What followed was checkups, long waiting lists for appointments (up to six months!), denials from their insurance company, waiting another agonizing six months for an appointment—all the while saving money to pay for the consultation—until finally Landon was seen by a specialist. 


Two days before Christmas, the family received the diagnosis: Landon was autistic. A few months later, Cameron was diagnosed with the same disorder. The following summer, at a friend's barbecue, their mom learned about McKenna Farms. She contacted Jessica Moore, Executive Director at the farm, in search of therapy solutions for her sons. Thankfully, McKenna Farms was able to provide the occupational and speech services her young sons need. 


Before beginning therapy, Landon had a vocabulary of five words. After only five months of work with McKenna Farms’ therapists, he now proudly owns over 100 words! The boys have now progressed from the therapy rooms to hippotherapy on the backs of the farm’s gentle horses. They love their sessions on Sassy, a beautiful quarter horse.


The twins are making great strides. They can better communicate with their family and will be more prepared to tackle pre-school in the coming months. Doctors and therapists concur that both boys need to spend a total of 40 hours a week with therapy or involvement with other children in a normal setting so being prepared for pre-school is a must for these little guys. 

Their mom and dad are thrilled that the boys are achieving their short-term goals with the help of the specialists at McKenna Farms and the financial support of Jacob’s Fund. Their long-term goal is for each boy to gain the necessary life skills to live independently as an adult. In order to do so, the boys require therapy three times a week. 


While the family’s health insurance covers 80 per cent of the cost of occupational therapy, it does not cover speech therapy, as autism is not covered at all on their policy. Mom's job, of love and necessity, is caring for and keeping the twins' schedules. The cost of these sessions for a single-wage-earner home is staggering. While McKenna Farms is a non-profit facility, the cost for maintaining regular, consistent therapy is significant. We have an outstanding opportunity to help these children. 


Jacob’s Fund and The Red Thread Promise are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their lives. We need your help to be able to meet their needs. Donations can be made by sending a check to the address on the top right or by clicking on our PayPal button. Please be sure to write "Jacob's Fund" in the memo line.


We thank you for your contribution to change lives like these precious boys.

JACOB'S FUND :: McKenna Farms Spring Mission Trip 2013 (part 3)

Friday: Coffee’s on early. 

Eager to get to work, we opt for doughnuts and fruit for breakfast. 

We step outside to find Tony, one of the young recipients of a ridership from Jacob’s Fund, on a horse in the outdoor arena. He sees us and rides our way to say hello. It’s a thrill for us. We’ve met and talked to Tony several times, and he recognized us right away!

Tony & Pumpkin

On a trailer at the edge of the parking lot are thirty bales of pine straw. We place the bales at intervals around the sides of the farmhouse, don our gloves and begin work. This morning‘s forecast puts the chance of rain tomorrow at seventy percent. Wilma declares that won’t happen. Still, we’re determined to get as much pine straw mulch down as possible.

But Cameron and Landon are here, along with their mom! These twins were silent and Landon was in tears the last time I saw them. Now, they are thriving, thanks to hippotherapy. 



By the time we break for lunch the sun is high and hot. As we eat, McKenna Farm's Director Jessie and I are on our cell phones checking the weather once again. The chance of rain tomorrow is down to sixty percent. Wilma just smiles.

Candace and her mom pull into the parking lot as we finish lunch. You may remember Candace, a teenager who excelled at the Special Equestrian Olympics in 2011 and 2012.  
The Red Thread Promise became aware of her need last summer and later learned that she had lost a major source of support for her therapy. When one of our year-long scholarships became available, Candace was named the newest Jacob’s Fund ridership recipient. 

While Candace saddles up and begins her therapy in the outdoor arena, her mom, Dana, and I chat. Dana shares how Candace's confidence has soared due to her therapeutic riding. She is proud to have mastered so many skills on horseback. Candace has also become more outspoken about kids with different abilities, writing speeches and sharing about her own experience as a child with spina bifida.

Candace atop Hershey Kisses

Wilma has been telling me since we left Ohio “There’s a lot more to mission trips than hammer and nails.” Our conversations with Tony, Cameron, Landon, Melissa, Candace, and Dana have revealed the invisible silken red thread that connects us as a vivid, thrumming-with-life link.

Even in April in an unusually cool spring, the sun, at its zenith in Georgia this Friday, is too hot to work under, so we slow our pace and remain in the shade. Time to check the forecast again; the prospect of eighteen people inside the house with buckets of paint tomorrow is a bit daunting.

Hooray! The chance of rain is now at forty percent! Wilma, not given to bragging, and without even a hint of triumphant smile, simply says again, “It’s not going to rain.”

Finding a shady spot near the barn, Rhonda and I put a newly-sanded door on sawhorses and prime it. The sliding door will be installed at the entrance to the therapy rooms and will keep children receiving therapy from being distracted by activity in the offices and outer rooms.

Back to the pine straw, and in a matter of minutes we’re finished with the planting beds around the house and stand back to survey our handiwork and declare it beautiful. But with just one bale left over, Jessie’s off for another trailer load of pine straw.

All day long McKenna Farms has been alive with children, horses, volunteers, and therapists. The excitement is contagious and energizing. Now, dinner over, horses go back into the barn, the sun dips below the trees, and we slip into easy conversation with Jessie and Joyce, about the kids who come to McKenna Farms, redesigned plans for the parents’ viewing room at the indoor arena, and future mission trip projects.

Nearby, Jessie’s sons, Jackson and Aiden, play while Emma, Joyce’s daughter, who spends many hours each week volunteering at the farm, rides in the increasing dusk. 

Sitting down makes us aware of sore muscles and fatigue. Aiden, four, is ready for bed.  Amid mouth-watering promises of biscuits for breakfast from a local biscuit restaurant that’s sponsoring a fundraiser for McKenna Farms, Jessie and Joyce depart.

Within minutes, we’re showered and ready for bed. As the rest of the crew settles in to sleep, I grab a book and head for the porch, wondering if I can stay awake until the rest of the team shows up.

Though these rolling acres of trees and pasture have held deep meaning for me since the first time I brought Jacob here for hippotherapy. I’ve kept most of those feelings to myself, choosing instead to talk about the effectiveness of this therapy, the dedication of Jessie, her staff and the volunteers, who together keep the farm running and lovingly provide therapy to the disabled children whose lives are changed here.

Members of previous mission trips here have described this place as sacred. It is both healing and cherished, so I believe the description is apt. It certainly resonates deeply in me. 

Now, with the quiet broken only by an occasional whinny, I look out over the outdoor arena. My mind slips back to those times I watched Jacob ride Major as his therapist walked alongside. I smile, seeing him riding backward, wearing what seems like a very big helmet.  

As if unwilling to break the peace that blankets the farm, the first van carrying our fellow team members pulls into the parking area almost soundlessly, followed in a matter of minutes by the second van. I lead the eight youth and three adults to the boy’s and girl’s trailers where they’ll sleep, locate the bathrooms for them, and provide a peanut butter sandwich to one hungry young lady.

In a matter of minutes, the youth have inflated their air mattresses, spread out sleeping bags, and changed into sleeping pants and tee shirts. “Don’t worry about getting up too early,” I tell Brian, our youth pastor. “We’ll need to be well rested.”  

A final weather check shows the forecast for most of Saturday morning at just thirty percent chance of rain. ~ Glenna Fisher

JACOB'S FUND :: Spirit

As Glenna’s mother always told her, be useful as well as ornamental. Spirit is indeed both. Spirit is Cameron and Landon's hippotherapy horse. 

Jacob's Fund (a program of The Red Thread Promise), which Glenna + Bernie’s family started to honor the memory and spirit of their three-year-old grandson, Jacob Noah Beachy, is providing riderships to Cameron and Landon.

Here's some of Landon and Cameron's story:  
http://redthreadpromise.blogspot.com/search?q=cameron+and+landon

Spirit, the handsome therapy horse, tried on his costume for the Special Olympics State Horse Show today. You look great, Spirit! Thanks so much to all of the volunteers who are dedicating their time and talents!

JACOB'S FUND :: The benefits of equine therapy

Cameron and Landon

Over the years, we’ve witnessed some pretty amazing things. Time and time again, the silken red thread has brought people from all walks of life together to help children in need. We love sharing these stories with you, but no story is quite as good as being there in person, to better understand something to the fullest.

That’s why we’ve created a new video about hippotherapy: to help our supporters better understand how life-changing equine therapy can be for children. If a picture is worth 1,000 words, a video must be worth at least 1,000,000. 



In the video, you'll hear Cameron and Landon's mother, Melissa, share her boys progress since they began hippo therapy. Recently, she also sent this update: 

Both boys are now potty trained! Cameron is learning to read and write this year. He is almost completely independent and thriving. Landon has recently learned to answer questions and understands yes and no. I am very close to having a conversation with him. The other day he brought me some play food and asked me if I was hungry. I almost fell off the couch! It was the best play food I have ever eaten and a moment I will hold dear to my heart. He has learned to read his name first and last and is singing about 5 songs. We are forever blessed to have had help along this journey and are eternally grateful to The Red Thread Promise. To God be the Glory! ~ Melissa

JACOB'S FUND: From a Jacob's Fund mom

Cameron and Landon, Jacob's Fund kids

Only a week ago we honored our mothers on Mother’s Day. Since Jacob’s Fund’s work not only affects the children receiving therapy, but also their entire families, we thought you’d like to from a Jacob’s Fund mom.

Cameron and Landon received riderships from Jacob’s Fund earlier this year so they could continue their hippotherapy at McKenna Farms. Here’s what their mother, Melissa, has to say about their progress:

Cameron is not the same boy he was last year. His speech defect was downgraded from severe to mild in all areas!

What a joy it is to be able to have a conversation with my son! I have gotten to know him on a much deeper level since his therapy began. Now he can tell me “I like that” or “I don’t like that.” He no longer screams bloody murder when we brush his teeth or hair or try to put lotion on him. He does these things on his own!

At the beginning of August 2012 he wouldn’t even attempt to play with other children. If you could only see him now! I have to make Cameron leave when he is interacting with other kids. We rejoice over the tiniest victories because each one demonstrates the progress he is making.

Landon has also made great strides. He can communicate basic needs now. His teacher even videotaped him singing with his class the other day. We recently took him back to a developmental pediatrician who prescribed new medication for him. Within a short time he was playing with toys again for the first time in a week. Small victories!

I thank God for lighting my path last year. At a friend’s barb-b-que I met Shelly who told me of McKenna Farms and hippotherapy. I met Jesse, director of the farm, who introduced me to Jacob’s Fund. Through the help of all these angels, we are getting to see our real sons shine through.

Please continue to pray for our family. Every day is a new journey and we take leaps of faith along... but I know God will supply our needs. He has thus far. Thank you so much for the opportunities Jacob’s Fund has given my children, for helping to restore a broken family who is enjoying getting to know their very special sons.

We will continue to keep you updated on the twins’ progress. Your support continues to help make this possible through either one-time or continuing gifts.

Jacob’s Fund :: Special Olympics :: Madison rides again, and Krista Shines at her First Special Olympics

Madison, showing grace under pressure, wins a fourth place ribbon

Remember Madison’s ride with the Mounted Patrol in the opening ceremonies of last year’s Special Olympics? This year marked her third in the competition, and she performed with great flexibility in the face of challenges and came away with ribbons and medals. 

Change is stressful for those of us who have no physical or learning disabilities. For children like Madison, stress is multiplied many times over.  

So when the mount she’d been practicing with came down with tendonitis the week before the Special Olympics, Madison needed to quickly become comfortable enough to complete her classes. Her first day of competition started well, but nerves overcame her and her horse, Spirit of the Wind. Switching to dependable Hershey, Madison re-did the dressage portion of the program and performed brilliantly. 

Kristen Moreland of McKenna Farms said, “We take for granted our ability to change things at the last minute, but for these riders processing time is an important part of success. I was very proud of her just going with the flow and taking on new challenges like the champ she is! And of course she did it all with a smile on her face.”

And, as the saying goes, she got right back on that horse. She finished the show with Spirit as her mount, bringing home two bronze medals and two fourth-place ribbons.

Madison and Spirit—real teammates and winners!

Krista, happy first-time competitor

Krista has been riding for just nine months, but when she rode Major into the dressage ring, she was outstanding.  She’d memorized the complete test (something Kristen urges her riders to do to boost their confidence, knowing that they can do something on their own). That confidence brought her a gold medal.

Showmanship, a class that requires waking on foot leading your horse through a pattern, is judged on style, grace, conformation, and completing the pattern correctly. This is a real test for Krista, who has difficulty walking due to Cerebral Palsy. Yet Krista walked away with the bronze for this one.  

Krista atop Major in the ring

She went on to pick up gold in equitation and in her partner class in Unified Drill, a great fun class. In Unified Drill a rider picks a partner and a song. Krista chose Delaney, a high school student, as her partner, and Katy Perry’s Fireworks for their song, which they choreographed. They dressed in costumes, with headpieces made by Krista’s mom, and finished by throwing confetti to the sounds of the Firework Finale.

Krista and Delaney in Unified Drill

Learning, competing with their best stuff, dancing, dressing up and having fun – things all kids love. Seeing Madison and Krista’s accomplishments fills us with hope and tugs at our hearts. We are proud to support children as they seek to make their dreams a reality. If you’d like to join us (and we’re thrilled when you do), you can donate by check or PayPal (info at the top right in the sidebar). Please be sure to indicate “Jacob’s Fund” or “hippotherapy” in the memo line so we can allocate your donations as you wish. We’re currently supporting three-year old twins Landon and Cameron, and teen Brandon.

Jacob’s Fund :: Special Olympics :: In the Show Ring and Behind the Scenes, Featuring Maya

 Multiple medalist, Maya, sporting a huge smile

You already know your donations to Jacob’s Fund help children with disabilities master basic skills like walking and talking.  Along with the new abilities, you’re also giving hope and opening the door to big dreams.

All children dream of being a champion, with all the accolades and awards that entails.  And the show ring at the Equestrian Special Olympics was the stage for that dream to come true for the dozen McKenna Farms riders who found themselves there this year. 

McKenna Farms, one of the larger and more advanced groups competing, created a buzz as the riders, each in four to five classes, performed beautifully and garnered medals.

Working behind the scenes during the long, hot days, fifteen volunteers kept the horses clean, well fed, hydrated, and happy.  They were by the side of each athlete, ready with reassurance and comfort when nerves threatened to overwhelm the riders, and making sure everyone was at the ring on time.

    Maya and her amazing volunteer, Jamie, 
who is also her clinical therapist at McKenna Farms.

Special needs children work hard, and so do their parents.  Sometimes parents need a break, and when counties provide chaperones, accommodations, and host events for their children on a weekend, often parents take the weekend off.  

McKenna Farms parents went above and beyond expectations, though, accompanying their kids, being there for them, cheering them on, and being their biggest supporter in encouraging their success.  And they were beside the medals podium to give their child a hug as they stepped off.

Just like the riders, the horses sometimes feel nervous and pressured in the spotlight.  Maya learned this first-hand on the big weekend.  Her mount, Pocket Full of Sunshine (shortened to Pocket for brevity), is a Percheron/Thoroughbred cross.  He gave a stunning performance with another rider on opening day in the dressage event, which was held in the open-air covered arena.  

When the program moved indoors to an enclosed arena, Pocket became uncomfortable.  He was nervous and did not want to stand still during his first class with Maya.  

Maya has been riding for only a few months, but she handled the massive 16.3 draft horse with such poise and confidence that the judge for the event came over to her and complemented her on her solid performance with a horse that was obviously uncomfortable in his new surroundings.

Maya’s excellent handling of the situation is even more impressive knowing that she has struggled with confidence throughout her life and is very uncomfortable in the spotlight.

Pocket’s skittishness meant that Maya would need to find a new mount for the balance of her events.  Before doing so, though, she visited Pocket’s stall for a heart-to-heart about his nervous performance.  She was concerned that he wouldn’t like her anymore if she rode someone else for her other classes.  They talked it out, and she realized he would understand.  (Back home at McKenna Farms a few days later, she rode him in a class.)

 Maya's heart-to-heart with Pocket

The following day Maya rode Aka-San (also called Red), a horse she’d only ridden once, months earlier.  She brought home a silver medal for that working trail class, and continued to perform like the champion she is, winning both a bronze and yes, a gold medal for her weekend’s work!

Kristen Moreland of McKenna Farms commented on Maya and her progress.  “A couple of months ago there is no way this girl would’ve not only kept it together in the ring while her horse acted up, but she also would not have switched horses to an unknown and been able to stay focused enough to get through the course!  It’s amazing what some confidence and the opportunity to succeed can do for a young girl!”

Indeed, Kristen, indeed.

With your support, other kids can receive needed therapy and gain the skills and confidence Maya has.  The Red Thread Promise is now supporting three boys at McKenna Farms:  Cameron, Landon, and Brandon. If you’d like to make a donation toward their hippotherapy and therapeutic riding, you can do so via check or PayPal (upper right in the sidebar).

McKenna Farms on Animal Nation!

We are so pleased to see McKenna Farms featured on Animal Nation! Wonderful things are happening for the kids engaged in hippotherapy and therapeutic riding. We are so blessed to be involved with such a wonderful organization, supporting kids like Brandon, Cameron and Landon.

ANIMAL NATION / AUGUST 10, 2012: We recently visited a clinic for children with developmental disabilities where therapists are using horses to provide occupational and physical therapy. It's called hippotherapy and at McKenna Farms in Dallas, Georgia, the patients range from autistic children to those with physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy. 

We met one four year-old boy named Noah, whose cerebral palsy prevents him from sitting upright or fully using his hands or legs. For Noah, doing his therapy while riding on the horse helps him build strength in his trunk muscles that will help him work towards the goal of keeping his body upright and head up. His therapists also say that, since the stride length and pace of the horse so closely mimic the human stride, these hippotherapy sessions are helping his brain and muscles learn the patterns involved in walking. They are also of the the few times he gets to experience what it might feel like to walk. 

Noah's mom says the horses have made a huge difference in her son's life. He loves the animals and finds motivation to work harder. And what's more, he's found something he truly loves doing. 

Thanks, Animal Nation!