By Angel N. Ross-Taylor
Children with life-threatening illnesses got a chance to ride horses, go fishing and participate in other outdoor activities Saturday while taking part in “A Kid Again” Farmhouse Families Fun Day at Dream Catcher’s Ranch in Bellville.
“This is an event we started because of our child who went through cancer,” said Deloris Bailey, organizer of the event. “Most of these people are from Columbus and other areas and they have no idea what county life is, so we wanted to give them a day where they can come and enjoy the farm.”
Bailey’s son, Brandon, was diagnosed with leukemia at age 4. She and her husband, Mark, and daughter Brianna, 16, have participated in the “A Kid Again” organization where children and their families can participate in adventures and activities that help them take the focus away from their daily hardships as a result of having a child with a life-threatening illness. Brandon, now 13, has been cancer free since he was 7 years old.
“Now that our son is doing great,” said Bailey. “This is our part of giving back.”
While treating Brandon’s cancer, she said, the doctor’s visits, chemotherapy and hospital stays were a constant part of their lives for over a four year span, so “these events were just a time for us to get out and enjoy the time together and just be a family and not have to worry about being sick.”
The “Farmhouse Families” event is a collaboration of several people, churches and organizations. Bailey boards her horses at the Dream Catcher’s Ranch, owned by Rob and Kathy Earhart, who graciously hosted the event on their 60 acre farm.
“Really, the whole purpose is that we love Jesus,” said Rob Earhart, of why they provide their farm and activities for the “Farmhouse Families” event. “He entrusted the farm to us, so because we love Him we are compelled to share it.”
In addition to hayrides, corn hole games and other activities, dinner was provided and a Civil War-era tent which also served as a snack shack filled with watermelon and candy.
“It’s a whole day of relaxation,” said Bailey. “Families don’t have to do anything but come and enjoy. Parents are welcome to come and sit and let their kids go. There are volunteers here from Mosaic Church and the neighborhood.”
The first event happened in June and she said she’s hopes to have at least one or two more events at the farm before the cold weather arrives.
“We have 181 families here today representing 34 families,” said Bailey. “We want to continue to do this.”
Logan Morrison, 16, enjoyed fishing at the pond. He caught several fish that he threw back into the water and said he was having an “awesome” time. Logan is a survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma since 2012.
“We love it,” said Jennifer Doty, Logan’s mother. “It’s a fun opportunity that we wouldn’t have otherwise.”
Logan said he also enjoyed riding the horses.
Kathy Goodlet loved the farm experience so much in June, she decided to come back and volunteer her time and bouncy house for the event. Her daughter suffers from Angelman syndrome, a chromosomal disorder which makes her have life-threatening seizures.
“We had such a good time last time,” she said. “(My daughter) is non-verbal and non-ambulatory, but she got to ride a horse, she went on a hayride and just walking around the property, we had such a nice, relaxing time.”
As Goodlet scooped baked beans and poured them onto the plates of children and their parents, she said, they wanted to come back, give of their time and their bouncy house to help the children have fun.
“These people here whose idea it was to do this are such good people and I just wanted to be a part of it,” she said.
Earhart said the effort is not any one single person or organization.
“It’s a huge effort that everyone just jumps in and does whatever is needed,” he said. “And that’s the cool thing, not only is it a blessing to those that are served but it is also a blessing to those who are serving. So, it’s a duel blessing, a win-win.”
The “A Kid Again” Farmhouse Families Fun Day at Dream Catcher’s Ranch in Bellville was a complete and total volunteer and donation based effort. Donations and volunteer time were provided by Mosiac Church; Geyers Market in Lexington; Stoodts Market in Bellville; Dana’s Cupcakes; Karen Ramey- cupcakes; Linda Glover- cookies & brownies; Kristina Dickison- cupcakes & cookies; Jones Chips; Your Silver Linings (Kim Farmer)- Stuffed Prayer Ponies; Dream Catcher’s Ranch; Mark and Deloris Bailey; Mark and Pat Burleigh; Green Leaf Pets (sweet bit bars); Fin Feather and Fur (fishing tackle, etc.).
For donations or more information email Deloris Bailey: delorisb@gmail.com.
Follow Angel N. Ross-Taylor on Twitter @angelnichole222
“Most of these people are from Columbus and other areas and they have no idea what county life is, so we wanted to give them a day where they can come and enjoy the farm,” said Deloris Bailey.
