From the very beginning of joining the Team I expressed to Jackie my interest in taking a child in as Rodeo Kid. My moment of truth finally came and after much exhausted search we found our kiddo, Dominique McAllister. He is an 11 year old boy who is currently battling Leukemia. He has been living at the Ronald McDonald House with his father Billy, where he receives chemo treatments 3 days a week.
Upon speaking with Billy about Dominique for the 1st time over the phone I could tell they where a pair of laid back guys who where up for anything. It made things very easy for me to get arrangements set up for them to have an awesome time. Jackie helped me tremendously by guiding me through everything and showing me the way. She has laid down an exceptionally excellent foundation for the Rodeo Kids Program and has made it very easy to transfer into other State Captain's responsibility.
Living in the DFW area, I knew right away that the Stockyard's Championship Rodeo would be the perfect place to take Dominique. It is in an area known to the locals as "Northside" and is a full fledged Texas Themed area of Fort Worth. Lined with shops and boutiques filled with Texas souvenirs and memorabilia, the Stockyards is set right in the middle of everything. Every Friday and Saturday night they host an Open Rodeo, so my window was pretty open as far as finding a place and date. After crossing my fingers and getting in touch with the Stockyards, I was met with extreme hospitality and more then accommodating help. They had full support of Do3 and what it is we represent, which to me, is an open heart and mind set to make this world a better place and irradiate cancer and disease, which no one should ever have to go through.
The night had finally came and I was so excited to meet Dominique and Billy that I was rocking on the tips on my spur rowels. I met them at the Ronald McDonald House and was met with exactly what I expected, two super cool laid back guys ready to have a great night and handle what ever it was I had to throw at them. Lucky for them it was nothing but a fun filled night full of gifts and wild rodeo events! I handed them their Gift Card provided by Do3, to the one and only famous Texas steak house, Cattleman's. I had them follow me there. I then made my way to the rodeo where I met fellow Texas Team Members Erica & Trenton Cole. I also met another Do3 Member for the 1st time, Beccah Mead. She is the head of the Equine Cancer Society and come to find out lives only about 45 minutes away from me!
After we got the horses settled in and paid up with the Rodeo Secretary, I got everything set up at our Box with gifts ready for Dominique. They showed up just in time and was greated by a huge support team I had for them. Once they where seated Dominique and his Dad graciously dug into their gifts provided by Do3 and others. They received some wonderful items including a tote, caps, and shirts from Do3, a shirt and tote from the Equine Cancer Society, a Hurley Hat from Trenton and Erica Cole, a custom room sign from Craft & Crown, tons of movie sized candy from HorsnHayes Art, a beautiful leather cross from Cowgirlz Flair, Justin Bent Rail Boots from Leah Eaton and a gift card to Main Event from Ms. Bobbye Hayes. They where absolutely thrilled by all of the goodies that Do3 and all of the sponsors and members where able to give.
Not long after that Deep In The Heart of Texas began to play and Domique's very 1st rodeo was on! Things started off with the 1st session of Bull Riding, in which Do3 Member, Trenton Cole, was riding in. He had a little bit of tough luck but it was awesome for Dominique to have someone there to cheer for. The rodeo announcer gave a great shout out to Dominique and Dreaming of Three and we cheered our hearts out! As the rodeo went on, Dominique dug into his candy and waved his sword and cheered on the rough stock and roping events. It was finally time for the barrel racing and Erica Cole and I where ready to ride. I was the very 1st one out and it was my horses very first time at a rodeo! He was a little starry eyed and lost but we made it through and got the job done. Erica Cole went on to run her mare Foxy Jab O Lena and had a real nice run going but pulled down the 2nd barrel. It didn't matter though because we where just happy to be there for our Rodeo Kid!
Afterwards we wrapped things up with hugs and pictures and everlasting memories. Everything went absolutely perfect. I couldn't have had a more impacting experiance and it would have never had happened if not for Jackie and Do3. I was able to put a smile on a little boys face that I will never forget and made some fantastic new friends.
The Stockyards everlasting hospitality offered Dominique and his family to come back anytime, as well as possible future Rodeo Kids. They really helped make all of this possible for Dominique and went above and beyond what I had expected. I would also like to say thank you to all of the Do3 Members and sponsors. If it wasn't for you this program would not be what it is.
It was a night that I will hold dear to my heart for the rest of my life. I am so blessed for Jackie to be able to give me the opportunity. I hope I made Dominique and his Dad feel welcomed and gave them a fantastic experience. Thank you again Jackie for making this possible for allowing the Texas Team to participate in the Rodeo Kid Program and make Do3 proud!
From top left going clock wise is Beccah Mead with the Equine Cancer Society, Erica and Trenton Cole, Texas State Captain Carlie Hayes with Craft & Crown, Dominique McAllister the Rodeo Kid and his father Billy McAllister.
Father Billy McAllister and Rodeo Kid Dominique McAllister.
Opening Ceramonies and the famous Texas Long Horn at the
famous Stockyard's Championship Rodeo who helped sponsored this Rodeo Kid Event for Do3.
Opening more gifts from the Equine Cancer Society.
Chit chatting with Dominique and Billy about what to expect at the rodeo.
Dominique, his father, and his two siblings Samuel and Zoe all recieved a Team Do3 shirt by
Dog Pound Printing.
Dominique had this awesome Dreaming of Three Tote to hold all of his goodies.
The whole McAllister Family also recieved these Do3 ball Caps made by Red Eagle Creations
Opening his Justin Bent Rail Boots from Leah Eaton.
Custom Room Sign from Carlie Hayes and Craft & Crown.
One of his gifts from Cowgirlz Flair, a beautiful leather cross.
Would also like to thank HorsnHayes Art for stuffing Dominique and his siblings with tons of candy!
Even baby Lawson was there to support Dominique! Would like to thank the Cole Family for the great Hurley Cap given to Dominique.
Carlie Hayes coming home after the barrel run.
Trenton Cole busting out of the chute.
Erica Cole getting it done in the barrel racing.
Texas Team Do3 calling it a night and sending the McAllister's home with great memories and arm loads of gifts from Do3 and supporting members and sponsors.
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