Casey's Story - NCEFT National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy

Casey’s Story

NCEFT Board Chair

Dear NCEFT Friends & Family,

In 1994, when I was introduced to the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy (NCEFT), I immediately fell in love with its mission and services. So, of course, when I was invited to join the board of directors, I jumped at the opportunity to support this important organization in a leadership role.

It was not until 2012 that I fully grasped the impact of NCEFT’s healing powers and vital role in the world of rehabilitative health and therapeutic wellness. On September 1, 2011, I was in a horse accident and fractured my neck. I was air-lifted to a trauma center in Reno, Nevada, paralyzed from the chest down to my toes. I spent a week in ICU on a ventilator, and a few more weeks in a neurology unit. I eventually flew back home to San Jose where I spent a few months in a spine treatment facility and was discharged with a prognosis of “wheelchair access to the community for life.”

Thankfully, as part of my rehabilitation treatment and therapy, I became an NCEFT client. After intensive therapy with NCEFT’s talented staff and horses, I was walking again and even riding independently. My time as a client at NCEFT was truly transformative. I often wonder how different my life would be if I hadn’t received these life-changing services.

I know I am not alone in my gratitude for NCEFT because miracles happen every single day at the Center. From a bereavement workshop participant who leans on our equine friends—sometimes quite literally—to the parent of a disabled child receiving physical or occupational therapy utilizing equine movement, one thing is for certain: each and every client experiences the horses, hope, and healing that makes NCEFT so unique.

But the NCEFT of today is not the same one I first encountered 29 years ago. It has grown and flourished, serving hundreds of clients in need each year. Our Mental Health & Resilience Programs help fill a critical gap in our community that allow even more people to experience the healing power of the human-horse relationship. While this growth is exciting, NCEFT’s expenses are on the rise. From the higher-than-ever demand for financial assistance by our clients, to soaring horse care expenses.

This is why NCEFT needs your help.

Your gift can directly impact the lives of our clients, well-being of our horses, and help ensure NCEFT’s success well into the future. Here are just a few examples of how your support can make a difference:

$5,000 funds a client in our Physical or Occupational Therapy Programs for one year.
$2,500 finances one U.S. Veteran to attend weekly mental health and resilience services for six months.
$1,200 sponsors a client to attend a 10-week Mental Health & Resilience Workshop.
$750 sends a child to our Trailblazer’s Resilience & Emotions Summer Camp.
$500 pays for one client to participate in a 10-week Horsemanship Academy Program.
$250 feeds a horse for one month.
$100 supplies one horse bedding for one month.

And I am excited to share that an anonymous donor has offered to match every contribution received by May 31st, dollar for dollar, up to $20,000! This means your gift is doubled!

Can we count on you for financial support? A donation of any size is deeply valued and appreciated.

Please join me in ensuring that NCEFT continues to thrive, flourish, and bring light to the lives of our clients as it did for me.

P.S. Save the date for our Heroes and Horses, Jewels & Jeans Gala on Saturday, September 16th!

Gratefully yours,