Remember the Alamo!

On this day in 1836,  the siege of the Alamo began in San Antonio, Texas.  It is the site where a small band of Texans held out for thirteen days against Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana and his Centralist army.  The death of the men who defended the Alamo has come to symbolize courage and sacrifice for the sake of liberty.  Davie Crockett, James Bowie, and William B. Travis remain famous names of those who took a strong stand for something they believed in.

It is so heartening to know there are still people who take a stand for what they believe in.  Folks, for example, who battle for people who are physically or mentally challenged.  I speak of the current-day heroes  who saw a need and generously contributed their resources to make sure that something community-oriented was started. Other heroes joined in, made sure the idea was nurtured.  Many worked as a team,  so the idea grew to become a non-profit organization called Las Campanas Compadres.  LCC will continue to flourish if people continue to contribute their resources as volunteers and donors.

The people who benefit from LCC are the folks who often need someone to take a stand for them, and provide them with a place to safely take part in activities that are fun and help them reach their potential.  LCC  participants are empowered by being encouraged to set recreational and personally challenging goals.  When they reach their goals, a  tremendous amount  is done for  raising their self-esteem and for  general life-satisfaction. Having such opportunities  is often not as available  for people who have disabilities.

Not only does LCC offer  horseback riding for therapeutic activity and the means to strengthen participants with water exercises and swimming, but through the efforts of the instructors, the volunteers, and the community who has fostered Las Campanas Compadres, participants do these life-enhancing activities at the  beautiful  Las Campanas facilities.

It is always good to remember heroes of the past, but it is hats off today to the men and women who have created a successful haven for disabled people of all ages in the Santa Fe area to become stronger, thrive, and reach new heights.