NOVELIST MORGAN ST. JAMES SHARES INSPIRATIONAL LETTER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) December 18, 2009 -- St. James has been writing about the incredible group for over thirteen years. She first became acquainted with them when she was a member of the Long Beach California Chamber of Commerce. Chamber member Robin Wall, owner of a ranch in the Long Beach area, was a staunch supporter of their work and inspired the Long Beach Chamber to hop on the bandwagon.

1 2 3

NOVELIST MORGAN ST. JAMES SHARES INSPIRATIONAL LETTER

Welcome visit Our WebSite:

http://www.valleyviewvaulters.com

For thirty years owners Rick and Virginia Hawthorne have been creating their own kind of miracles. St. James was immediately drawn into their circle of family and friends and determined to spread the word of their work in the best way she knew: through stories. She has written about them in "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Celebrating People Who Make a Difference," the Amazon Short, "Miracles Happen on Horseback," and "Writers Bloc II," all available on Amazon.

Through the years, St. James watched these miracles happen--children and young adults who had been wheelchair-bound get up and walk, a boy with most of his brain destroyed by encephalitis start to function, those with autism connect and respond, and so much more. St. James says, "The way coach Rick Hawthorne, who lost his left arm to cancer at age eleven, and his wife Virginia use equestrian vaulting and hearts overflowing with love to create these miracles brings tears to one's eyes."

Here is the letter she received that she wishes to share:

December 2009    

Dear Friend,

I want to tell you the story of Isaac. He is a six-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who has vaulted with Valley View for about four years and has made truly miraculous improvements.  His doctors said he would never walk. Isaac’s mother accepted that diagnosis and decided to move on from there, providing her son the best she could. And then she discovered Valley View Vaulters.

I work with handicapped people all the time. As many of you know, about a third of our team has some sort of disability that prevents them from fully participating in life. I see the heartbreak, discouragement and resignation parents feel when they first bring their children out for vaulting practice. They tell us they are looking for some sort of physical activity to give their child a way to participate with other children. Many of these parents have received a diagnosis from their doctor telling them they can’t expect much improvement in their child’s quality of life.

That’s before they come to Valley View Vaulters!  I know from personal experience, because I lost my arm to cancer at age eleven.  I‘ve always found a way through perseverance and hard work to accomplish my goals.  I take this same attitude when I work these special children.  Isaac is an example of a child whose mother knew he would never be able to walk.  Never!  That’s hard news to receive. . . and the story goes on.

About a year ago Isaac was competing in a barrel competition and when he landed after compulsories, he took two steps by himself.  There was a loud scream.  It was from his mother who had just seen her child, unable to walk, take steps.  Just two steps, but impossible steps and the beginning!  It’s the vaulting that made the difference.  The program Valley View provides has helped countless people, like Isaac, with all kinds of problems, live better lives.

But that’s not the end of the story. This fall Isaac was part of a free style routine with two other upper level vaulters.  After their dismounts, Isaac stood next to the horse with his teammates support, taking their bows and listening to the crowd cheer.  As he turned to go back to the line of vaulters, I said, “Let him go.”  You can see how far he had to go in this photograph.  He ran all the way back, by himself!  What a wonderful sight to behold.

Miracles like Isaac’s happen all the time, here at Valley View.  Virginia and I do this work because we love it – helping to create these miracles.  However, lesson fees do not cover all the costs involved in maintaining our program and our 8 wonderful vaulting horses.  We depend on people like you and your contributions to help. We invite you to join us in making miracles happen by contributing to Valley Views Annual Yearend Giving Campaign.

Your gift to Valley View Vaulters can help change the life of someone like Isaac. There are many worthy non-profits doing big work in the world for you to invest in, we sincerely appreciate your consideration for the work that we do. Please visit our web site at http://valleyviewvaulters.com/ to learn more about how we have helped Isaac and others like him.

Through you, Valley View continues to change lives as we have for the past thirty years. For all your support we thank you. Happy holidays to you all!
With great gratitude,

Rick and Virginia Hawthorne
Valley View Vaulters, Inc., 11295 Orcas Ave.,  Lake View Terrace, CA 91342      
Web Site:   valleyviewvaulters.com

More information can be found online at http://www.valleyviewvaulters.com

cerebral palsy treatment     miracles     Morgan St. James     Valley View Vaulters