A Nightmare Becomes a Dream Come True

     Triple Creek Ranch, Inc. What started as a nightmare has now became a dream come true.

     An annual checkup and trip to MD Imaging shows something may not be quite right. An appointment is scheduled with a Redding Doctor, Dr. Vicki Philbin.  Carla Bell was 39 and diagnosed with Breast Cancer. 

     Carla, her husband Dwayne, and son Cody one year before, had just moved to their dream, a 40-acre ranch, in Millville California. They believed everything in life to be wonderful.

     The Doctor says, the cancer is malignant, must be removed immediately, and Carla must see an oncologist right away to follow up after the surgery is completed.  

     September 2001, she began a journey that she says will never be forgotten.  It started with a team of Redding Doctors.  First, Dr. Philbin did the necessary surgeries at Mercy Hospital.  Next came Dr. Michael Figueroa, Oncologist at Cancer Care Consultants, there she soon started her first of many Chemotherapy treatments.  She says to give a special mention about the nurses at CCC; they are truly a blessing to their patients. They do their best to keep the spirits up for all those they are treating, with smiles, and many jokes; Mary and Estella especially.  Dr. Figueroa, she says was a blessing in his own right, as he always encouraged her to try to find out what may have been missing in her life before being diagnosed, and to not be angry at God. He explained that things in her life might change, and she may begin to view things differently and realize what is really important in life after being diagnosed. He explained it is important to find a Balance of my Mind Body and Spirit, not just our body needs healing.  His words of encouragement became the foundation to Triple Creek Ranch's mission statement. She states; "Thank you Dr. Figueroa!"

     Next came Dr. McBride, Carlas Radiologist.  He too was located at Mercy Hospital.  She mentions that it was great to have the whole team working together to save her life all at one location!  "Thank you Mercy Hospital!"  All the treatments for her body, this life saving journey, took 7 months. Then began the time for healing.

Carla's personal story and journey with Triple Creek Ranch, in her own words:

     God has always been my best friend, but I had to get back on track and remember to be His friend. I always say He needs to hit me upside the head to get my attention, boy did He this time. The Lord has a way of waking us up when we go to spiritual sleep. During my Chemo treatments, I would wear my wig to church, or my baseball cap, and no one even knew what my body and I were going through at that time.  Millville Community Baptist Church welcomed us with open arms.  Pastor Ryan, and his wife Bonnie, a gracious host, were welcoming, but did not crowd us. I explained to them later what a blessing this was, as I was very anxious about getting ill due to being around people, while going through the treatments, as this can be life threatening. While now going back to church, the Lord opened my eyes that I must learn to lean on Him, and sometimes others in this life He has blessed me with. He knows this was a hard lesson for me.   Between Him, my husband, and son, I did learn, through all this process to allow them to help.  My husband and son has come to know the Lord since attending Church too, this alone is a miracle worth the Cancer any day.  As we are all terminal, and must do our best to work daily at strengthening our relationship with our Heavenly Father, and as soon as possible. I am very thankful He woke me up!

     Mental healing now had to begin, too. I was referred to a Christian therapist that has helped many that are going through treatments, or recovering from Cancer. Those of us trying to get an understanding of our life after the medical Doctors have done what they can.  This doctor was wonderful. She helped me find things in my life that had gone astray. One of the things in my life I had loved so deeply and given up, I realized was Horses.  She asked me what I loved, and did in my early years, what dreams did I have, and so on. I couldnt believe how much it meant to me when I thought of those years. The years I had spent training colts, and working with Children.  I had worked for Hartnell College's Farm, while studying Animal Science, Horse Training, and Horse Husbandry.  After years in College, I taught Youth Horsemanship for the City of Salinas Recreation Department, worked for the Reata Ranch riding show horses, freelanced riding for others, and then off to travel working on various Ranchs in several states.  Then life happened, as it does for many of us.  Working with horses doesn't pay much when you dont have your own place. So, other so called normal jobs came and gone in time, too. In 1997, married and with a young son in grade school, at age 35 it was back to school for me too. This time it was to study Civil Engineering and Architecture at Shasta College. 

     After graduation in 2000, I received a job with Caltrans.  Thank God for that!  They allowed me to telecommute during my surgeries, and treatments! Along with many co-workers who gave of their Vacation hour donations of time to assist me and my family during my recovery time. Having this job also helped us achieve our dream of a ranch in beautiful Millville California.  It took a while, but now that dream from long ago was here! What a long way around it seemed, but as I always say, the Lord works in mysterious ways.  Only He knew what we were about to learn, to really appreciate where we are today, and why.  Proverbs 20:24.

     In March of 2003, on a drive home, it came to me. Healing, and using Horses to do it!  I thought of the Cancer Kids, and how they may enjoy that. I prayed, "Lord if this is what I am suppose to do, please show me the way."  The next day after this drive, I received my favorite magazine [Farm and Ranch Living] in the mail. In it was an article; "A Helping Hand" This article was about a ranch in San Luis Obispo California, how they were using horses to help people that were healing, and with medical, mental and learning disabilities!  At the end of the article it stated that the Ranch was a NARHA center. (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) and it gave their website.  This was the beginning.

     The learning began at the NARHA website.  I thought there would be a Center in our area, and I could help out, and volunteer close by.  After review, it was found that the nearest centers were Handi-Riders in Chico, and Stable Hands in Yreka. (Both over one hour away) The seed had been planted about a center here.  I decided to go and volunteer at one of the Centers to check things out.

     Stable Hands had classes on the days I could volunteer.  Marcia Cushman is their lead instructor, and an Occupational Therapist for the center.  Marcia and Kathy, the volunteer coordinator, filled me up with lots of information, but it was a student that hooked me.  My first day there, a little girl, 4 years old, showed up with her parents.  She could not walk unassisted, but Marcia lovingly took the little girl by the hands, and walked her up the ramp where we would assist her to get on the horse.  The little girl was all smiles as the horse approached the mounting block.  She mounted and we went into the arena. After about a half lap around the arena, it was realized that it was too much for her to face forward, as she couldnt support herself well.  Marcia then placed a towel on the horse, and turned the young girl to face backwards on the horse.  This allowed her to lie down and enjoy the ride.  After one lap she began to push herself up. After a couple of laps, Marcia turned her back around to face forward.  She was now able to sit up going in the forward direction.  I was amazed, and commented to Marcia how great the young girl was doing. Then I asked her how long has she been coming to Stable Hands?  Marcia replied, "Today is her first day".   Tears rolled down my face. I was in awe, that this horse could do something for this little girl that no mechanical thing could do.  She was having a great time, and now sitting up! 

     Dwayne, Cody, and I discussed starting a center on our Ranch.  We talked about how we would lose our privacy, but was grateful that we had our place to share.  During the many more hours of volunteering with Stable Hands, visiting Handi-Riders, and asking both Centers endless questions, which they were great with; we decided to go for it!

     Letters were sent out to Physical therapists, Doctors offices, and other organizations. Follow up phone calls were made to them, and to referrals that were received, to get a meeting together to see if others were interested in having a NARHA Center here in our community.

     A small, but dedicated, group met at the first meeting in September 2003 at Foothill Pizza; Recreational Therapist-Cory Pavone, Horse Massage Therapist-Annie Goheen, Church members- CherryAnne, Heather, Pastor Ryan, Bonnie, Dianne, from Recreational Opportunity for Cancer Kids (ROCK) came Chris Bucks, from Caltrans-Beth Elmore, from Victor/North Valley-Bobbie and family, Northern Rehab & Equip. - Stephanie Schwartz PT, others from the community - Lee, Carlye, Connie, Jimmy, and Kim.

     The group continued to grow with more volunteers, along with a Physical Therapist-Wendy Robards, who was "Raring to go", pun intended!  She found us by the grace of God, looking for a place to refer her clients. Now she is Triple Creek Ranch's very own volunteer Physical Therapist. 

     Our group became incorporated as Triple Creek Ranch, Inc. and in time, has now become an official 501(c) (3) Non-Profit Public Charity Organization.

     Together with the new volunteers, we began specialized training in mid 2004.  Volunteers paid to attend the NARHA 2004 Region 11 conference in Elk Grove, CA. There we learned more information about types of programs, managing volunteers, administrative, board, and class-time training.  Triple Creek Ranch became a NARHA Center!

     Several Volunteers assisted Handi-Riders in Chico with their summer program, to help learn about how their center operates.  For one week, several hours a day, lots of fun, and great practice for all was received.

     One year from that first community meeting, 2 horses had been donated, 2 horses on maintenance lease, borrowed tack, and monetary donations received from local businesses, and individuals to get started. The money received was used to assist Triple Creek Ranch, Inc. to purchase necessary Insurance, and to open its gates to host the Pilot Program in the fall of 2004!  The programs included; Therapeutic Riding, Youth Horsemanship, 2 Christian Horseman Clinics, and a visit from R.O.C.K. (Recreational Opportunity for Cancer Kids).  30 plus individuals benefited from the Pilot's programs. 

     We are all excited to now have our very own Therapeutic Riding Center here in Shasta County. All thanks to God; first and foremost, by using eye opening cancer, Mercy Hospital, Doctors, Nurses, MANY Wonderful volunteers, individuals, businesses, and of course the horses, all wanting to share in the dream of helping others now, and in the future...

You can read more by clicking on the following link to Wendy Robards's story on TCRI's Pilot Program titled "The Magic of Horses"     www.pikerpress.com/article.cfm?form.id=1074

2005...

      Wendy Robards, PT continues to take on more education to assist the Ranchs students, by attending classes and seminars; from the American Hippotherapy Association classes for the professional, and a Conference on Autism. 

     Annie Goheen, and Ellie Kissick have donated their time by completing many hours of training under Sid, Chris, and Tena, the Certified Instructors at Handi-Riders in Chico. Annie and Ellie have also completed the NARHA Instructor workshop at Equi-Ed.  Ellie is now a NARHA certified Instructor for the Ranch.

     Dwayne, Carla, and Shelley, for Triple Creek, have volunteered with Youth for Christ and Kidder Creek at the Hope Horse Camp. There we assisted by serving children from local schools that need direction, extra guidance in life, and about how Christ loves them no matter what. The opportunity to learn from Tom Orr and Lee Cribbs has assisted us by witnessing how they serve, so it can be shared similarly with Triple Creeks Christian Horsemanship classes.

     Spring Session had 3 Classes totaling 8 students that benefited from the programs. Great improvements were made for all.  

        Summer Session had 3 Classes totaling 7 students!

       Fall Session had 3 Classes that totaled 7 students!  The three classes for the Fall were the last for the 2005 season, as we do not have a covered areana at this time, and the rains will be coming soon.  The students were sad to have to end for the year, but are excited about coming back next Spring!

       TCRI has lots of plans for the Winter months; to improve our facilities, and freshen up, along with preparing for next years classes.  There are forms to update, Organizing the office, Team building for staff and volunteers. There is also Grant research, fundraising brainstorming and many opportunities for YOU and our communities involvement! 

          2006...

Spring and Fall Sessions were completed succesfully!

     The students were wonderful! We witnessed great success with our new and returning students. One student worked on strengthening her upper body...one student learned how to independently mount his horse for the first time...one new student was excited to be around horses again, as we learned that he had ridden when he was a young man...another student learned about patience while on the back of her horse, and many wonderful miracles were seen every week. 

     CherryAnne Hollister completed her NARHA certification! She is now our lead instructor, and her wonderful heart and talent will benefit the ranch's students and volunteers emmincely! Please congratulate her on joining the team as an instructor, as Cherry has been a volunteer with Triple Creek Ranch, since the very FIRST meeting!

    Erik Wahlman joined the team as our Youth Horsemanship Instructor.  The kids loved his inventive ways of teaching them the many wonders of the horse... AND we were blessed with three new horses this year, too; Two Brands, Cody, and Uno!

     Thank you Wendy Robards, PT for continuing to volunteer and donate to the Ranch!

     Thank you Dwayne Bell for taking care of the horses and the Ranch.

     Thank you Beth Elmore for being our board Secretary, and Treasurer.

     Thank you Jen Powers, D.V.M for your Fundraising Seminar, thank you Brinks Veterinarian Hospital, and to Donna and Tanya for assisting the event too!

     Thank you Welch Enterprise, Inc. for your continued monthly support!

and to all the donations we received for support to the Ranch in 2006!

     2007...

 Spring and Fall Sesson were awesome!

     This year Wendy Robards, PT became a NARHA instrcutor in Training, Cherry Hollister started off the year with her NARHA Certification, and Terry Shelton, OT joined the team and is also a NARHA Instructor. Erik Wahlman taught 8 teens in the Christain Youth Horsemanship class.  tCRI coordianted with Youth and Famly Foster agency for many of the 2007 students.

     TCRI had its first big Fundraiser; Cowboy Supper, that provided entertainment from the Sons of the San Joaquin, Cowoby Poetry with Keith Trent, and a silent and live aution.  Thank you SPONSORS AND GUESTS!

     We adjusted the horse herd, and now have 5 horses, and 1 mule. We appreciate that they are volunteering their retirement to serve the Triple Creek Ranch Students   :-) 

     2007 Christmans and Year End Party was celebrated by sharing awards to students, volunteers, horses and staff! Congratulations to allthat assisted the Ranch financially and with their precious time!

    TCRI has its Board meetings on the Third Tuesday of the Month.  Typically at Jack in the Box on Dana Drive, 6:00 for Greet and Eat, followed by the Meeting at 6:30.  All are welcome and encouraged to come to the meetings.  At these meetings is the time we spend on prioritizing our goals for the immediate, and long term future of TCRI!  You can also receive the Minutes from these meetings via email by emailing us to sign up on the list of those already receiving them. Email  TripleCrkRanch@aol.com

Also, if time is limited for you, yet you would like to be involved, you can Invest in this wonderful organization today, by clicking on the link below.  We appreciate you!