Why you may ask, would I choose to give so much money to a small, obscure charity such as Sunrise EquiTherapy? I have been acquainted and involved with Sunrise EquiTherapy since its inception in 1998. During that time I have had the privilege of watching numerous dedicated volunteers perform countless miraculous outcomes for patients from small children to older adults.

And Sunrise EquiTherapy has accomplished these "miracles" under difficult circumstances. The program has continued to operate, and serve their client base through numerous changes of location for the program. All the while, the ultimate goal of Sunries was to establish a permanent home for the program by owning their own stable and therapy facilities.

It is time, PAST time, for that goal to become a reality for Sunrise EquiTherapy. I have seen this fine program make a remarkable difference in the quality of lives:

1. PATIENTS regain strength, hope and a zest for life.
2. PEOPLE volunteering, enrich their own lives as they work through EquiTherapy to restore a quality life to a patient.
3. PONIES, yes, even the horses sense what they are doing is helping a human being. The spiritual bonding that takes place between human and horse, is a two-way street.

Being a horsewoman and breeder for over 40 years I have seen what an impact horses can have on the lives of people. But I was not prepared for the successes I witnessed at Sunrise EquiTherapy:

A small child with cerebral palsy, hunched over in her wheelchair unable to sit upright, NOW sits proudly astride her therapy mount straight and tall with an infectious smile. And she sits straight and tall as she operates her wheelchair.

A teenager needing to literally being life all over again after having half of her brain surgically removed, NOW is working independently, and proudly remembers riding as the Sunrise athlete in the Special Olympics.

A middle-aged stroke victim unable to walk at all, NOW rides independently with Sunrise, and can again walk unaided.

These miracles will continue and they will multiply with your help. Sunrise has purchased land for a facility, and is beginning a capital campaign for funding of the building. This small charity makes GIANT things possible in the lives of people living right here in our area.

Won't you help make another miracle happen? Thank you for your generosity.

Sincerely,

Gail Jensen