When Molly Reeser was a sophomore at Michigan State University, she had an experience that would go on to change her life. “I started working on a horse farm to earn extra spending money. It was there that I met a young girl—about 10 years old at the time—named Casey,” says Molly. Casey had cancer, and Molly had never known a child with cancer before. “She reminded me a lot of myself when I was her age—animal-obsessed, outgoing, and sarcastic,” says Molly. “We became quick friends.”
Sadly, about a year and a half later, Casey passed away. Molly was inspired, along with several others who worked on the farm, to find a way to honor her memory. Ideas such as planting a tree or building a park bench were rejected, says Molly, because “it was important to me that Casey’s life was honored in a way that represented the person she was.” Molly knew Casey had deeply enjoyed being around the horses, and that she would have wanted other children to experience this joy as well. “I approached the owners of the barn to see if they’d allow me to take over the facility for one day.”
Molly organized what was meant to be a one-time event at the barn, called “Camp Casey.” “I put up flyers at the local hospital where Casey had received treatment, and invited 20 children and their families to come to the barn for a day of horseback riding and kids’ activities.” With the help of her friends and $200 worth of pizza and craft supplies on the credit card her parents had given her for emergencies, the day was a big success.
About a week later, Molly received a letter from a 4-year-old attendee. “Thank you for the best day of my life,” it read. From that moment, Molly knew that Camp Casey would need to continue. Molly held Camp Casey monthly for the next two years, and after graduating, dedicated herself to growing it further.
18 years later, Camp Casey is still bringing the joy of horses to children with cancer, sickle cell disease, and other life-threatening illnesses. Camp Casey reaches over 1600 people every year with programs at no cost to participants such as Horsey House Calls, which surprise sick children with a horse visit at home, and Cowboy Camp Outs, Outlaw Outings, and Lone Star Getaways, which range from dude ranch trips to stays at privately-owned rental properties.
Molly cherishes the memories she has made through Camp Casey. “When our Horsey House Call program was just getting started,” says Molly, one girl, age 14, bonded with therapy horse Moe on weekly rides. “As her health declined, we knew we had to bring Moe to her home to say goodbye. When she opened the door, she immediately burst into tears.” Although she was too weak to ride, she spent a special afternoon with the horse. Adds Molly, “It was a day I’ll never forget, as long as I live.”
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