“Life is about determination. Don’t give up because of the obstacles… Regardless of what obstacles face you, just keep going! Go through, go around, jump over – but never give up!”

A registered Thoroughbred mare named ‘Currently Sue,’ foaled during the early morning hours of May 3, 2008. Her filly was born with a condition known as wry nose syndrome which prevented the foal from nursing and receiving the vital colostrum that she needed after birth, thus making her chance of survival extremely slim.

That very same day, Theresa received a phone call from an individual expressing concern about the filly and her Momma, as they were in imminent danger of being shot that afternoon. Theresa immediately, contacted the owner to see if they would surrender Momma and baby to Beauty’s Haven and they were more than happy to oblige – it would save them the time and energy of having to dig a grave. Without delay, Theresa went to pick up Momma and her filly and transport them to the rescue.

Time was of the essence – the baby was several hours old and hadn’t received any nourishment or colostrum – she could not nurse due to her wry nose. Momma had obviously, given her baby all the nourishment she could in utero, as she, herself, was merely skin on bones and simply had no milk to offer her baby.

Both were promptly vetted and the filly received plasma and colostrum. Momma, who we lovingly, called ‘Momma Sue,’ was put on a re-feeding program. There are no words to describe how blessed we felt as we watched the look of worry and hunger in Momma’s Sue’s eyes morph into a look of gratefulness, comfort, and relief. It was obvious that she adored her baby girl.

On this very same day, Eight Belles, a determined and kind, steel-gray 3 year-old filly, ran in the Kentucky Derby against 19 colts. Against the odds, Eight Belles finished second on the 1 1/4 mile track, following the winner, Big Brown. Sadly, within seconds of crossing the finish line, Eight Belles broke down and had to be euthanized.

In Eight Belles’s memory, we named Momma Sue’s determined little filly, ‘Aaleyah Belle,’ who would have to overcome immeasurable odds in order to survive.

Aaleyah Belle, thankfully, was able to drink from a bottle. As soon as she was stable and stronger, she needed to have surgery at the University of Florida to correct her wry nose which would forever, improve her quality of life. A few weeks later, Aaleyah Belle, accompanied by her beloved Momma, was transported to UF where her nose would be surgically corrected, as much as possible, thus allowing her to run and play with all the other horses.

Her recovery was successful, and as she grew stronger and her breathing became easier, our sweet little girl started kicking up her heels. She showed the world and all those who loved her, a very special ‘Cricket Dance.’ Aaleyah became a dancer of joy, a spirited young girl with a full life ahead of her. Aaleyah Belle was born with an innate beauty, a beauty that encompasses the true meaning of grace, happiness, and love. Aaleyah is yet another, Beauty’s Haven miracle.

In Honor of Aaleyah’s 12th Birthday, a wonderful Auntie has come forth and is offering a Match Game whereby all donations up to $300 will be matched dollar for dollar, which will be applied to this week’s Hay Run.

If you would like to forward a donation in Honor of Aaleyah’s birthday, you may do so here on our website or via PayPalMe. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to ‘Aaleyah’s Birthday.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.

Thank you, all, so very much!