|
By Rachel Kytonen
rachel.kytonen@ecm-inc.com
When visiting the Isanti County Fair this Friday, July 24, make sure you stop by and say hello to the cowboy in pink.
Nathan King, 16, of Cambridge, began teaching himself how to ride horse this past fall in order to support a local non-profit organization that offers comfort, encouragement and hope to women undergoing chemotherapy.  Nathan King
King will be participating in a variety of horse games on Friday to raise funds for Dei Gratia, Inc., founded by breast cancer survivor Susan Monte of Braham.
King will be wearing a pink shirt, specifically purchased for Friday’s events. He will be riding Monte’s horse, XL, who will be donning a pink saddle blanket, pink bridal and pink leg wraps.
King is hoping to raise $500 to benefit Dei Gratia.
“I know a lot of women who currently have breast cancer, or have had breast cancer,” King said. “Everyone knows someone who has been impacted by cancer and the more money we put toward it, the more money we’ll have to find a cure.”
King met Monte while on a church trip to Iowa in April 2008, and in August they started talking about him riding XL in the fair. King said learning how to ride horse wasn’t an easy experience.
“It’s been going really good, challenging, but fun,” King said. “I was pretty nervous at the beginning of this month thinking about the fair, but I have started to gain more confidence.”
King’s mother, Glenda, said she’s proud of her son for his fundraising efforts. “I think it’s great what Nathan’s doing,” she said. “I grew up with horses, and it really teaches kids about discipline, responsibility and hard work. It’s very exciting.”
King said one of the lessons he learned while riding horses was patience.
“Rather than trying to be perfect all at once, I’ve had to back off and learn how to be patient,” King said. “I have to realize I’m not going to get trophies and ribbons my first month out.”
Riding horses seems to run in the family. Glenda rode and showed horses beginning when she was 6, and her sister, who lives in Tennessee, also has horses.
Glenda said the little riding experience Nathan had was from riding horses while visiting his aunt once a year in Tennessee.
King said he had a few official lessons, but basically taught himself how to ride a horse.
“I read a lot of books and went to the Monte’s hobby farm a lot,” King said. “There were times I did get frustrated, but kept telling myself to be patient and keep working at it. I’m looking forward to just going out there and having some fun.”
About Dei Gratia, Inc.
Dei Gratia, which is Latin for “divine gift,” or “by the grace of God,” oversees volunteers who regularly visit chemotherapy treatment centers.
The organization was founded by Monte who recognized a need to encourage women who are experiencing a low point both physically and emotionally.
While Monte sat for hours receiving her treatment, it occurred to her that something should be done to brighten the long and lonely hours for those around her.
The volunteers deliver—to each patient who desires one—hand-made gift bags filled with an assortment of small gifts designed for personal affirmation and encouragement.
Each bag contains a full-size pink Bible, a fluffy fleece hat, a “happy” bracelet and an assortment of chocolates, lotion and various “pink” donations.
Sponsorship
If you would like to sponsor Nathan and XL at the Isanti County Fair, there will be a booth set up in the South Horse Barn at stall number 7.
Any donation is appreciated, but those who give $25 will receive a Swarovski bracelet; those giving $100 will receive a pink-themed coffee basket, which includes an insulated French press.
To make a donation to Dei Gratia, contact Susan Monte at 612-275-7186 or Nathan King at 763-552-0528. More information about Dei Gratia can be found at www.deigratia.us
Comments () |
|
|
|
|
|
