The Reason Behind It All
We're equestrians on a mission to support women in our community as they navigate cancer treatment.
Gallop for Life is a grassroots movement connecting members of local horse communities to women who are fighting cancer. Horsewomen are fiercely strong and independent by nature and reluctant to seek help. We are committed to advocating for these women by providing volunteers and services while they focus on their health journey.
We understand firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the challenges of battling this (unfortunately common) disease while juggling the responsibilities of caring for ourselves, our beloved horses, other animals, and, of course, our families. Your priorities might shift, and that’s okay—no judgment here! Experiencing breast cancer personally has given us a deep appreciation for the unique journeys each of us faces. No two stories are the same, but what unites us is the strength we find in knowing we’re not alone.
While our focus is on breast cancer awareness, we appreciate that not all cancers receive the same attention. For this reason, any equestrian with a cancer diagnosis is eligible to receive a gift basket.
Together, we can support one another through every step of this fight.
Our Current Efforts
We're starting small to ensure the thoughtful donations we've received so far make the biggest possible impact.
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At the international level, we’ve developed a private Facebook Equestrian Breast Cancer Support Group (nearly 300 members and growing). It’s been a tremendous forum for providing encouragement and support, sharing experiences, consulting on treatments, and more.
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We’ve achieved status as a 501(c)(3) (IRC Section 170) and are receiving generous tax-deductible donations.
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At the local level, we’ve acquired sponsors and provided care baskets for women fighting breast cancer.
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We’ve gained a diverse Board of Directors (including doctors, veterinarians, and other professionals) who are generously offering their time to advise us
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This fall we are hosting a charity Vixen Fox Hunt in coordination with Howard County-Iron Bridge Hounds HCIB Hounds. 100% of donations will be provided to our charity
Horsewomen are fiercely strong and independent by nature and reluctant to seek help. We are committed to advocating for these women by providing volunteers and services while they focus on their health journey.
Gallop for Life
For Horse Women, By Horse Women
Who We're Supporting
My name is Meredith Ingram. In 2020, I retired, bought a horse, the pandemic hit, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately for me, my horse is terrific, I never got Covid, and my cancer was caught early. I had a lumpectomy and node removal followed by radiation. I’m closing in on five years cancer free.
My horse and dogs kept me physically busy and outdoors. My creative side was fulfilled by watercolor painting and other crafts. I like practicality as well as creativity so I began making baskets, wrapping fabric around cording and sewing it into a basket.
I knew Lily from our shared interest in horses, we cheer each other on at horse shows and she always has a positive attitude and cheerful disposition. Then we bonded further when she was also diagnosed with breast cancer. I wanted to help so I’m using my skills to make baskets to hold tangible tokens of support for fellow BC fighters.
While the diagnosis is awful, being able to share the journey with the incredible, strong, brave, humorous, and horse loving women that Lily has brought together is an honor and a joy!
