JACOB’S FUND :: TONY UPDATE, part 2

Tony atop Pumpkin during therapy

A positive outlook
On the beautiful, misty Friday morning of September’s trip to McKenna Farms, Glenna spotted Tony and his therapist, Kristen, leading Pumpkin—a strikingly beautiful horse— from the barn to the outdoor arena. As they walked, Tony was telling Kristen, “Well, not every weekend can be a great weekend!” 

That’s so typical of Tony – he brings a positive attitude to all life’s challenges of which he has endured many. 

Glenna greeted him at the gate of the arena. Tony vigorously shook Glenna’s hand, replying in his unfailingly polite manner, that he was unable to talk right then as he needed to focus on his riding. Glenna stepped aside, watched them enter the arena and quietly observed his session with the therapist. 

One of the most beautiful moments was in the ring, after warming up the horse for the ride. Kristen regarded Tony and said, “Pumpkin looks really happy this morning. Do you think he’s happy?” Tony replied simply: “He’s happy. I’m happy. There’s a big smile on my face!” 

Jacob’s Fund wants to keep that smile on Tony’s face. If you’d like to help, donations can be made via check (to the address at the top right) or via our handy PayPal button (right sidebar). Thank you for you continued support of children in the United States.

JACOB’S FUND :: TONY UPDATE, part 1

Tony and Pumpkin

Good hearts and good heads 
Sharing the many ways children’s lives have improved because of your support is our gift of thanks to YOU. Our recent visit to McKenna Farms allowed us to follow up with Jacob’s Fund Kids, hear about their journeys, celebrate their successes and offer additional support as necessary. 

During that trip, our team was able to visit with Tony, a Jacob’s Fund scholarship recipient. Diagnosed with autism at an early age, Tony’s journey has been a hard one and life continues to throw challenges in his path.

For most children, their mother is the foundation of their world. For Tony, his mom, Carol, was all that and more: she was his caretaker and complete support system. After only two years of therapy at the Farm, Tony’s mother was given a diagnosis of esophageal cancer, inoperable and terminal.

The underpinnings of Tony’s world collapsed. The family’s resources and energy centered on his mother's health and care. Without a stable home life and unable to continue his therapy sessions, Tony began to withdraw; his attitude and behavior began slipping. 

That’s when Jacob’s Fund stepped in. Thanks to your help, we were able to provide continuous weekly therapeutic riding, and Tony went on to qualify for the 2011 Equestrian Special Olympics. In her last weeks, Carol was able to watch her son compete and capture medals, cheering for each victory!

Shortly thereafter, Tony’s world turned upside down. Since his mother’s passing, he has become homebound, spending most of his time on the computer or just listening to music. His family is often absent and opportunities for outings are practically nonexistent as are social interactions. Thankfully, a weekend caregiver drives him to the Farm once a week for his one-hour sessions, the only consistent thing in his life. 

Tony recently completed a work adjustment program offered by the state of Georgia and successfully worked at Goodwill, TJ Maxx and other short-term jobs, with transportation provided by the state. Back at home, and without transportation, Tony is unable to hold a job, something he desperately wants and needs. He is currently on a waiting list for life-skills classes as well as for placement in a group home.  

While his body grows thinner and thinner, his hope and optimism is heartbreakingly beautiful. Tony may never be able to live independently. But his urge to take charge of as much of his life as he possibly can inspires us to find ways to help him live his life in the fullest possible way.

We know The Red Thread Promise community is full of good hearts and good heads. As you consider Tony’s story, we are open to fresh ideas for how to further help this wonderful young man, so full of hope and potential! If you or someone you know has experience working with adults with autism, we’d like to hear from you. Responses can be sent to ghfisher@ameritech.net.

JACOB'S FUND - Tony update

Tony riding "Joe"

Many of you may remember Tony from our post back in December 2009. For those of you who haven't heard of him, he is a sweet eighteen-year-old with Autism that we have supported through therapeutic riding at McKenna Farms. Tony’s life situation has been precarious over the past year as he watched his mother's health deteriorate due to esophageal cancer. Regrettably, we learned that Tony’s mom died in August, just a week before he participated in the Equestrian Program of the Special Olympics.

Thankfully, Tony is in good hands: the hands of his father who he lives with and loves him; the hands of his aunt who helps out; the hands of his aide who drives him to his therapy appointments, one of the only constant things in his life; and, of course, the horse handlers and therapists at McKenna Farms.

Unfortunately, this critical therapy is at risk since the family's financial resources were drained during his mother's treatment. Helping Tony continue his riding is an urgent need that has been placed on our hearts. For about $3,000, we can fund his therapeutic riding for a year. A regular riding schedule is important for his growth and his ability to cope with autism and the stress of losing his mother.

Please consider supporting this young man in our effort to provide this much-needed piece of stability in his life. If you are interested in supporting Tony, checks can be made out to The Red Thread Promise and sent to the address on the upper right of the blog. A PayPal option is also available in the sidebar on the right. Please be sure to mark your contribution with "Tony" in the memo line.

A little about the farm

McKenna Farms began in 2001 with ten kids, one therapist, and two horses. In nine years, it has grown to serve 200 kids, with nine therapists and ten horses. There is a growing interest in this treatment because hippotherapy gives amazing results. For more information about hippotherapy and therapeutic riding, visit the AHA website.