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Family time is the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and reconnect with each other.

Unfortunately the stress of medical bills and the chaos of doctors visits prevents some families from simply enjoying time together. Enter “Whispering Hope Ranch”- a mountain sanctuary located just east of Payson, Arizona, built specifically to offer special-needs families a rustic retreat. For 16 HopeKids’ families a recent weekend at the mountain retreat center was just what the doctor ordered.

“When we pulled up to the ranch we were amazed by the beauty of not only our surroundings, but also how well the facilities blended into nature,” said Tina Anderson, mom to 8-year-old HopeKid, Aria, as well as siblings, Haydn and Suzanna, ages 10 and 12.

September 2015Arizona

www.facebook.com/HopeKidsArizona twitter.com/HopeKidsAZ www.youtube.com/user/HopeKidsInc

• ArizonaDiamondbacks• ArizonaImpact• ArizonaRattlers• GlassSlipperEvents

• HubbardSwimSchool• LetItRollBowl• Noah’s• SpotlightYouthTheatre• Sugarbuzz

• UltraStarMulti-tainmentCenter• ValleyYouthTheatre• Wazee’sWorldLazerZone• WhisperingHopeRanch

HopeWAlKSaturday, October 17th | 7:30 AM Registration | 9:00 AM Walk

Notre Dame Prep High School | 9701 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale

“HopeKids is made up of families just liKe ours. We instinctively understand eacH otHer. Words do not need to be spoKen. if you are a part of HopeKids, you are WalKing a similar journey, not tHe same, but enougH to Have an

immediate unspoKen bond.” – Kim stoddard. HopeWalK parent committee member

Register online at www.HopeWalkAZ.com For sponsorship information contact Kimberly@HopeKids.org or 480.282.3011

“Aria has a crazy list of diagnoses: immune deficiency, chiari malformation, hydrocephalus, pseudotumor cerebrei, asthma, severe GI issues and others,” Tina said. “WhisperingHopeRanchwasabreathoffreshairtoourfamilythatwasverymuchneeded.”

Since 2010, Whispering Hope Ranch has provided HopeKids and their families

the opportunity to interact with animals that are also facing unique challenges and disabilities. In addition to the animal interactions, families participate in a variety of adapted activities including archery,

a trail ride, arts & crafts, and a campfire complete with campfire songs, stories, and of

course, s’mores.

Five-year-old Charity Manegold was diagnosed in 2013 with cerebral malformations. Charity requires frequent medical interventions that are critical to her survival.

“Her diagnosis has been life altering for our entire family,” said Charity’s mom,

Janet. “Whispering Hope Ranch was a wonderful blessing to get away from the medical chaos and enjoy just being a family connecting with each other and

other HopeKids families. ItwasTHEhighlightoftheyearforour

family.”

The ongoing support of donors and event partners like Whispering Hope Ranch helps keep the Manegold and Anderson families focused on the future, looking forward to the next fun event around the corner, rather than dwelling on what they are dealing with in the present. All HopeKids events are focused on the entire family to prevent siblings from being unintentionally overlooked and are offered at no cost to families.

“HopeKidshashelpedtobringfunandunitybacktoourfamilyasweareabletobuildastrongerbondthroughtheactivitiesweareabletodo,” Tina said.

RAncH BleSSIngS WHISpeR Hope

MeeT AngelITAAngelita is a shining 8-year-old student in the 4th grade who enjoys watching Netflix, painting and playing board games. Four years ago she suffered a spinal cord injury while playing in a bouncy house at a school carnival. Angelita’s sparkle in her eyes is not easily forgotten and her smile is contagious. She says she has magic because when she smiles or sings people around her get happy and smile. Some of her favorite HopeKids activities are horse back riding, Whispering Hope Ranch and Diamondbacks games.

HopeKids ArizonaP.O. Box 28471Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Phone: 480.282.3011Fax: 888.418.3980kimberly@hopekids.org

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www.hopekids.org

HopeKid Devin, age 8, at glass Slipper events’ “princess party”; HopeKid Maggie, age 3, at summer swim party; Hopecrew volunteer, christopher, serving pizza at swim party; HopeKid capri, age 4, with mom, Amy, at “princess party.”

HopeDay program