FOR THE KIDS
Penn State equestrian team hosts Four Diamonds Fund families for Thon weekend
By Adam Smeltz
- asmeltz@centredaily.comBENNER TOWNSHIP — Dorrie, having passed her 20th birthday some time ago, weighs in about 1,000 pounds. She betrays a quiet, understated character — certainly no Mr. Ed, this horse.
Andonia Luciano, age 2, of Mechanisburg, packs about 28 pounds into her 30-inch frame. She seems a little shy, too.
The pair bonded Saturday in a barn at Eastwood Farms, where the Penn State Equestrian Team hosted about 10 young cancer patients and their families.
All are in the area this weekend for the university’s 36th annual Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.
“I know, for me, being around horses is a great escape, to let go of everything else and focus on what’s there” in front of you, said university sophomore Elise Settanni, an equestrian team member.
Andonia, whose sister Athena is a pediatric-cancer patient, was more keen on the gentle giant than her sibling was. With Settanni’s careful help, Andonia fed Dorrie some carrots and candy, and brushed her dark hair in silent awe.
“You want to see what it feels like to have her lick your hand?” Settanni offered Andonia.
The tyke agreed, opened her hand and laid her fingers flat. Dorrie’s tongue soon emerged.
“You’re going to feel a little tickle when you feel her lips in your hand,” Settanni said.
On the other end of the barn, 2-year-old Elliot Veil had an ant’s-eye view.
“He has big teeth, doesn’t he?” Elliot said, looking up at one horse after he offered some hay.
Elliot, of York County, was diagnosed with cancer about a year ago. His father, Jason, said Elliot has been in the clear since about June.
He said the farm event — including a riding demonstration by team members and the face time with horses — gave the children a chance “to see first-hand where all the support comes from.”
Four equestrian team members are among the 708 Penn State student dancers in the 46-hour marathon this year. Scheduled to conclude at 4 p.m. today in the Bryce Jordan Center, the event raises several million dollars a year to help the families of pediatric-cancer patients and to fund cancer research.
As many as 200 young cancer patients and their families may visit the Jordan Center this weekend to visit and play with the student dancers, volunteers and supporters.
Hallie Bernstein, the equestrian team vice president, said the 55-member team collaborated with Thon organizers to open the farm Saturday for a visit. The idea is part of a Make a Wish-style program, a Thon effort to engage sick children and fulfill their dreams.
“For most of these kids — they live in hospitals,” Bernstein said. She said the farm visit allowed a chance for fun, to branch out.
Being around horses “can be really empowering because they’re such big animals,” team Coach Malinda Grice said.
But they’re also graceful, gentle and giving.
“Kids really pick up on that — that they’re sweet and interested in people,” Grice said.
Adam Smeltz can be reached at 231-4631.