Episode 03 | Delivering Happiness on Horseback to Pediatric Patients | Molly Reeser, Founder of Camp Casey

What Nobody Tells Us

Molly Reeser was a Michigan college student teaching horseback riding lessons as a side hustle when she befriended Casey Foote, a precocious 10-year-old girl who would change her life forever. Casey was battling brain and bone cancer, and during the last few years of her life, Casey was introduced to a horse farm where she spent many afternoons grooming and riding her favorite horse. Even as chemotherapy, surgeries and the emotional weight of cancer kept Casey physically weak, she never let her illness get in the way of bonding with horses and friends.

Connecting with horses allowed Casey to be a kid again and kept her and her family strong during their difficult fight. Watching Casey interact with horses was therapeutic for her family as well. When Casey was at the barn, they were able to witness an instant transformation as her hospital gown was replaced with boots and breeches.

Casey would have loved for other children and their families to experience the joy that horses once gave her. To honor Casey's life, Molly in 2004 founded Camp Casey, a non-profit organization that provides horseback riding programs to children with cancer, rare blood disorders, and other life-threatening illnesses. Camp Casey keeps Casey's legacy alive and enables children, like Casey, to apply the strength gained from their equine therapy program to their fight against cancer.

Equally charismatic, hilarious and humble, Molly shares her incredible, inspirational story of starting Camp Casey as well as the impact it has had on thousands of families across Michigan.

Learn more at https://camp-casey.org/ and @campcaseymi