David's Letter




This letter brought me to a tear-filled standstill.

 In the midst of a busy spring and summer for Jacob’s Fund (thanks to you, we’re providing more Jacob’s Fund riderships than ever before!)  We’d slipped into a flurry of activity without having time to let each child’s individual story sink in. We have a request – do we have an application? How about the necessary documentation? Did we have a conversation with the parent? The therapist? While processing requests never becomes simply a matter of checking all the boxes, the need to do things right (and right now) with as many as twenty-five children current Jacob’s Fund Kids has kept us hustling.

David and Applejack

 It’s overwhelming to think about the number of children with desperate needs to learn to walk, feed themselves, write their names, speak, and interact with others.   

The process takes time, but we move as quickly as possible, because, as Georgia’s program to that provides support to families of children with special needs says, babies (and children) can’t wait!



We’re never in doubt that the kids who receive hippotherapy or therapeutic riding benefit greatly. We know that they stop banging their heads against car doors on the way home after a session on a horse. We know they delight their families when they begin talking and expanding their vocabulary. We know they begin to interact with siblings and schoolmates.  

We know that, but . . . nothing says it like this letter from a child who has had more than his share of hard knocks in life.



David and Mom, Saundra

David is thirteen. His mom adopted him when he was two. When he was three, he was diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome.

I cannot express the heartbreak I feel hearing that.

A few weeks ago, David finished up a week of camp at McKenna Farms. During that week he had the opportunity to ride the therapy horses. It was transforming. His therapist determined he was definitely ready for therapeutic riding. We agreed.’

Thank you for your letter, David. We’re thrilled that you are calm and happy when you are riding a horse.  May you ride many happy miles.


Want to help? You can ensure that this little boy is able to continue therapeutic riding. We now have an easy way to make your donation. Please go to our Facebook page, Jacob Beachy Fund (https://www.facebook.com/JacobBeachyFund) and click the DONATE button (it’s just below Jacob’s name at the top).

Or, if you prefer, send your check to:

Jacob’s Fund
1630 Tipperary Dr.
Middletown, Ohio 45042-3875

Thank you for your caring support. 100% of all donations to Jacob’s Fund go to the children we sponsor

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