As many of you know, grooms play a vital role in our programs. I had the honor of having Miguel or as many of you know him “Choco”, as one of the best grooms I could have ever asked for.

This morning, while he was tacking up a horse, Miguel suffered a heart attack. I performed CPR, medics were called, and everything that was humanly possible was attempted. Unfortunately, he did not make it.

I cannot put into words how much Miguel meant to my family and me. He was an incredible person who could truly do anything, from handling my spiciest horses to building an entire tack room for me from the ground up.

For over a year, I would show up to the barn and he would be the first person I saw, always greeting me with a “hiiii.” He made me laugh every single day. He would dance to my music and let me know when it was time to change the song.

After my dad passed away in August, Miguel stepped into a role no one ever expected him to take on. He took care of our entire family. He was always there. 24 hours a day, just a phone call away. He became the male role model for my baby brother. Miguel became a staple in all of our lives. He was the person that helped hold our family together during one of the hardest times, and we never imagined the day would come when we would have to say goodbye to him like this.

Death is never something people plan for, and Miguel’s family is no exception. I am starting this fundraiser so we can help his family give Miguel the funeral and celebration of life that he so greatly deserves.

Please, if you can, find it in your heart to donate. Anything truly helps and will be appreciated more than you know.