Where do I begin when I explain what Champ’s Heart has done to improve the lives of our son and our residents? Our son is autistic and has cerebral palsy. He is nonverbal and has only been walking for a few years. Recently he agreed to wear a helmet when he rides — something we thought would never happen. Because of donations, Champs Heart purchased an independent saddle that allows our son to ride independently. He LOVES riding horses. We have three other residents that ride as well. Two ride independently and enjoy the time with the horses and the various activities they work on while riding. They don’t even realize it’s helping — they’re just having fun! Our final resident has a condition that will soon take his life. Because of the independent saddle, he is able to ride a horse. He smiles from ear to ear and talks nonstop about how fun riding horses is. This fantastic program is making the final years of his life the absolute best.
I will never be able to fully express my gratitude to Champ’s Heart and the tremendous joy it has brought to our son and residents’ lives. Their smiles say it all.
(From mother, Shawna Murdoch)