In 2003, the Reno Rodeo Foundation established the Rodeo Wish program to realize the dream of an exceptional young person in Nevada.
Connor has Cerebral Palsy, at age 13 he was quite an accomplished horseman. It’s a good thing too, since he aspires to be a true cowboy. Always quick with a smile and a joke, Connor truly embodies the spirit of determination. Connor’s favorite thing to do, second only to flirting with the ladies, is to ride in the equestrian program at Marvin Picollo School in Reno.
Connor is a remarkable young man who never lets his physical challenges deter him from experiencing life to the fullest. We are honored to acknowledge his spirit and determination.
This letter is to express our very deepest appreciation to the Reno Rodeo Foundation for choosing our daughter Lenna to be the 2007 “wish” child.
Lenna was born with her right leg missing, and the Reno Rodeo Foundation made a very generous donation to help Lenna receive a new prosthetic leg with a microprocessor knee. In addition to the life changing leg, the Foundation also gifted Lenna with an experience that will remain with her for a lifetime. She was invited to participate in many wonderful rodeo events that required public speaking, helping with special needs children, being honored at several banquets, dressing complete with “queen hair and makeup” to appear at the Reno rodeo, learning to communicate in front of television cameras, and many other opportunities. Lenna was treated with kindness way beyond anything we could have imagined.
Lenna also was given the gift of being able to ride a horse on several occasions, leading to a love of horses that goes deep within her heart. Because of the love of horses we saw in Lenna, we were able to find a “mentor” in the Carson Valley who was willing to trade riding instruction for labor. Lenna currently rides several times per week in exchange for labor that includes feeding, grooming, and cleaning up a lot of manure! Although Lenna enjoyed horses before the “wish,” she now has a passion for riding and caring for horses that will remain with her the rest of her life.
The Reno Rodeo Foundation is very very kind and very very generous. They go way beyond the extra mile—they circle the earth! Thank you forever!
