I'm raising funds for my aunt, MaryEllen Collins, as she and our family face an incredibly difficult time. MaryEllen was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and has now entered hospice care. This news came suddenly, and her loved ones are still trying to process what it means to be facing the end of her life so much sooner than anyone expected.

MaryEllen and her husband, Mike Stevenson, built their horse training and racing business together. Mike is the trainer and driver and MaryEllen has been by his side in every way that mattered. The barn they built together has meant so much to the people and horses in their care. Anyone who knows MaryEllen knows how deeply she loves those animals and how much of herself she has given to others over the years.

MaryEllen has spent her life taking care of people before herself. She cared for her own parents in their final years, and she has shown up for other families during their hardest moments, helping organize support without ever asking for anything in return. She has always been the person giving whatever she could to make sure someone else was okay.

Now, as MaryEllen is in hospice, Mike is stepping away from the racing season to be by her side. That means their family is facing not only this heartbreaking diagnosis, but also a loss of income at a time when expenses are growing. Donations will help with MaryEllen’s medical and hospice costs, hospital bills, funeral expenses, and the lost income while the family cannot work.

Any contribution, no matter the size, is a gift. If you’re not able to give, sharing this with others who knew MaryEllen or who care about the racing and horse community means just as much. Thank you for taking the time to read her story and for however you’re able to hold this family up right now.