Bolin's Sunday Rebel is my beloved 17 year old Appaloosa gelding who has recently been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (cancer). Coming on the heels of my own cancer diagnosis last year, this has been especially devastating for me. Bolin and I have trained and ridden with the Jackson Hole Citizen's Mounted Police, ridden sidesaddle in several parades, and explored many mountain trails together. I trained him myself to run barrels and poles, and he made me look good by becoming a champion, earning numerous awards. This horse has done anything I've ever asked of him. Within the last year, Bolin has also become totally blind due to Uveitis, another common problem in Appaloosas. But this horse has a huge heart, and his blindness hardly slows him down. We have a very close bond, and when I ride him, I am his eyes. He completely trusts me. We have been partners for a long time.

Due to my own medical bills we are simply unable to provide treatment for Bolin that will save his life. With the help of the Equine Cancer Society, we have located an outstanding vet, Dr. Amy Armentrout at Burleson Equine Hospital. I fully expected that treatment, if possible would be several thousand dollars, but Dr. Armentrout told us that Bolin's surgery will run about $1500. (The additional $250 included in our goal is for incidentals such as his hospital stay and meds.) I cried, knowing that with the help of our friends we CAN raise the funds to eliminate Bolin's cancer, and we will go on to do great things together. My dream is to compete at the World Appaloosa Show in freestyle reining with Bolin.

I am not ever comfortable asking for help, but if I can save my beloved Bolin's life, I will do whatever it takes. I have been blessed to survive cancer, and now I am fighting for him.