SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
1
Friday, May 14 2021 / Published in Sidelines Feature

Polo for Life: Helping Families Facing Pediatric Cancer

By Britney Grover

Pediatric cancer: Anyone would wish it didn’t exist. Some would like to ignore that it does. Even after surviving it, Brandon Phillips tried to forget about it. “It was 1992 when I was sick, and for many years I never wanted to speak about it,” he said. “I never wanted to do anything; I just put it out of my mind and wanted to forget about it like it didn’t happen.”

When Brandon was 14, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Doctors told his parents — who did not tell him — that Brandon had six weeks to live. Brandon defied the prognoses and went into remission after five intensive months of treatment. He was happy to return to life as a normal teenager, with a renewed appreciation for the passions he enjoyed — including polo. At just 17, two years after beating cancer, Brandon launched a successful career as a professional polo player.

“Finally, when I got into my 30s, I decided it was time to give back and to start helping families experiencing pediatric cancer,” he said. The organization began with a polo benefit game to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Their first one-day event, dubbed Polo for a Purpose, raised $40,000. “We thought we did a great job. Then each year it got bigger and bigger, leading up to last year, our most successful year ever — we raised $540,000 that day.”

Helping families dealing with pediatric cancer is much more than one day a year for Brandon. The annual event spurred the creation of its own foundation, Polo for Life, and has raised over $1.8 million to help those affected by childhood cancer. Brandon’s goal is to be five times that amount — and much of the money raised is now going directly to local families in the Wellington, Florida, area.

Help Where it’s Needed

For the first five years, Polo for a Purpose benefited the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Though he knew the money was being put to good use, Brandon was driven to do more and work with other charities. That would also give him the opportunity to have more control over exactly what the money he helped raise was being used for.

Two years ago, he created his own 501(c)(3) charity and named it Polo for Life. The expanded beneficiaries list now includes Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the Miami Cancer Institute, POST — Pediatric Oncology Support Team, and the Kids Cancer Foundation. From the 2020 event, each group received a check for $90,000. Polo for Life has a good relationship with each one, and is able to specify what programs the money will go toward.

As a foundation, Polo for Life is unique. “Thankfully, one of our main sponsors is Postage Stamp Farm Foundation,” Brandon said. “Their annual donation enables us to cover any type of administration costs of running the foundation, so every dollar people donate is going directly to the kids.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, things have changed for Polo for Life — in how they’re raising money, and in how that money is being funneled to kids and families affected by pediatric cancer even more directly than ever before. “Fortunately, when I was sick there wasn’t a financial bind for us due to the Canadian healthcare system,” Brandon shared. “But I know what the kids feel, I know what the parents feel, I know how families react — when a child gets cancer it’s not just the child. It’s the siblings, it’s the mother, it’s the father, it’s the uncles and the aunts; the whole family is affected by it.”

In a situation relatively few people can understand — Brandon is one of them that does. “I know firsthand the fear and uncertainty day to day of what’s going on,” he said. “I’ve had lots of talks and met with these kids and these families, and I can relate. The last thing they need to worry about, on top of all of this, is how they’re going to pay a car payment, or a mortgage payment. These are the things we try to ease for the family so they can concentrate on supporting their child and their family.”

To that end, Brandon and Polo for Life have turned to helping specific, local families. Families in financial crisis reach out through POST or the Kids Cancer Foundation, and Polo for Life steps in to help. “Generally, when your child is diagnosed, one parent has to stop working to look after the child, and now with COVID, a lot of times both parents have lost their jobs,” Brandon said. “There were local families that didn’t even have the money to buy gas to drive their kids to treatments or they’d lost their car because they couldn’t make car payments. We started to develop this program to help alleviate the financial challenges of families.”

Becoming a Resource

When a family’s rent, mortgage, car payments, electrical bills, insurance bills or whatever need to be paid, Polo for Life assesses the situation and often provides financial assistance for three months at a time, paid directly to creditors. After three months, they revisit the family and reassess their needs. Sadly, that has also included underwriting several funerals. “That was horrible, but many of these people come to us and can’t even afford to bury their child,” Brandon said. “We step in and at least try to help in that way. We’re helping with everything across the board for these local families.”

Normally, Polo for a Purpose is held each January on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The 2021 event was cancelled due to the pandemic, yet Polo for Life hasn’t stopped helping — or raising money. In December, they put on a benefit country concert and raised nearly $16,000. They’ve been hosting private dinners to educate people about how they can help families in need.

“It’s just amazing the number of local problems we don’t even know about,” Brandon said. “We’re sitting in our bubble in Wellington, and we’re mad because our horse didn’t show well today or we lost a polo game. And there are families 10 minutes away that are having their power turned off and their kids are dying of cancer and they can’t afford to get treatment. So many fortunate people are not touched by pediatric cancer, so our mission is to educate them about the vast number of families in our backyard that are really struggling.”

In addition to expanding financial support, Brandon’s goal is for Polo for Life to be the go-to resource for families going through the trial of pediatric cancer, from financial assistance to information on where to go or what doctors could best help them. Someday, Brandon would love to help fund a treatment bus similar to mobile blood banks, that would save families from driving three or four hours each way just to get cancer treatment for their child.

In the meantime, Polo for Life is living up to its name. Powered by a very strong board of directors, Polo for Life is constantly raising money to ease the financial burden of families in crisis fighting pediatric cancer. Board members PJ Rizvi, Rita Reik and Visse Wedell join Brandon in their determination to make a difference — to raise enough capital so parents can focus on what’s more important than money: saving their child’s life.

“That’s exactly it; that’s why I started this,” Brandon said. “We can take some of the heat off of these families. It’s amazing how many people just didn’t realize that there’s someone 10 minutes away who can’t afford their electric bill, but when they do, it really resonates with them. Now it’s just getting the word out, and getting the donations to help however we can.” 

For more information, visit poloforlife.org

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: charity polo, Polo for Life

What you can read next

Becoming a USEF Licensed Judge: An Impactful Passion in a Space Where Most Don’t Look Like Me
Beauty and the Barn: Polo Player Zinta — Fashion Model and Instagram Sensation
Fun Boot Socks Keep Equestrian Feet Happy Thanks to Dreamers & Schemers

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on o We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on our socials where we share some of the lovely stallions, and their breeders featured in each month's magazine. Our first feature on this #STUDSunday is...

 ✨ALVESTA OWAIN✨
Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Fairy Lustre
13.1hh, Welsh section B
Stud Fee $750 (plus collection)
AI only and EVA negative
Fairfield, VA

Contact Cheryl Maye at (703) 431-9096 for more information
https://www.mayeshowponies.com/more-info/stallions

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

📸  SAS Equestrian
‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️ The purpose of this ‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️

The purpose of this month’s column is to help the young equestrians of our sport develop and maintain healthy friendships within the industry. Cultivating healthy relationships with other members within the industry is not as easy as one may think. As a young equestrian, it may be difficult navigating friendships at the barn and at horse shows. Typically, kids have friendships within the barn they ride at but also friendships with others from different barns in their area. 

Initially, it may seem as though making other friends in the sport would be easy and ideal; after all, there is the common interest of horses. However, because of the natural therapeutic benefits of horses, the sport has a history of attracting all types of people, with a wide range of personalities. This can be both an advantage and a drawback. We are now in an era that acknowledges the growing need to discuss and manage one’s mental health. 

One thing I have learned is that we are likely to notice mental health challenges at an age younger than most people may think. Some of the friendship dynamics I have observed over the years have caused me to pause and really think about the future of our sport. Without looking for a source to blame for the cause of this, i.e. social media, parents, school, teachers, etc., I think if all adults involved worked to encourage, affirm, love, and respect our youth, the likelihood of them developing authentic friendships with their peers may increase.

Both humans and horses were designed to have connected relationships. These relationships allow a greater sense of security when one experiences challenges in life. Cultivating the quality and authenticity of these relationships requires intentional work. 

Thank you Rob for providing your helpful insight on developing healthy relationships. Check out his tips in his column you can find in the link in our bio.
Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine🦄 

Photo by Blenheim Equisports

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #hunterjumper #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #sidelinesmagzine
Don't get caught without your green on today!🍀🍀
 
In today's featured article, we have Jessica Howington, who is dressed for the occasion in her green shirt! Jessica is the Owner/Rider at CrownView Dressage, a Realtor with Showcase Properties of Central Florida, and a Nurse Practitioner! Jessica has been involved with horses since she was a little girl. Everything from bareback to eventing she tried until she found her love for dressage.

Today, she and her family own CrownView Dressage, a 157-acre training, boarding, and breeding facility in Ocala, Florida. Jessica started training and teaching but felt as if her life was still missing something. Until Jessica focused on horses full-time, she didn’t realize how important the healthcare field was to her life. Jessica missed seeing patients and being in the medical field. Jessica is now back to working again as a nurse practitioner while also focusing on training her five competition horses, including her Grand Prix mare Cavalia. 

Jessica feels lucky 🍀 to have two amazing parents who have supported her in all of her endeavors and instilled the importance of work ethic, morals, dedication, and sacrifice. 

You can read all about Jessica and how she's finding fulfillment in her busy lifestyle in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine! Click the link in our bio for more 

✳️Tag us in your “lucky” photos for a chance to be featured on our story! Happy st. Patrick’s day everyone!🍀🍀

📸Photos by Melissa Fuller, msfullerphotography.com 

#stpatricksday #irish #stpattysday #green #ireland #luckoftheirish #stpaddysday #shamrock #happystpatricksday #lucky #saintpatricksday #leprechaun #stpatricks #stpatrick #kissmeimirish #clover #paddysday #march #potofgold #stpattys #love #beer #guinness #shopsmall #handmade #stpatricksdaydecor #stpatricksdayoutfit #fourleafclover #stpatricksdayparade #luckycharms
Like many equestrians, eventer Devon Tresan is no Like many equestrians, eventer Devon Tresan is no stranger to balancing a busy schedule. From serving as president of the Pony Club South Region Youth Board to working on her online high school courses and modeling gigs, Devon has nearly every minute of her time planned out. And with her horses right in her backyard in Ball Ground, Georgia, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Devon’s fast-paced lifestyle stems from growing up around her parents’ animal casting business, Animal Casting Atlanta, where they train and provide animals for projects in the film industry. Devon’s parents, Carol and Greg, took her on her first film job at just two weeks old; both parents pushed Devon toward acting when she was younger. While Devon didn’t want to be an actor herself, she did follow in their footsteps with her love of animals, especially horses. 

“My parents’ company has provided animals for ‘The Hunger Games,’ ‘Black Panther,’ ‘Suicide Squad,’ a majority of the Marvel TV shows, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and so many more,” Devon said.

Devon started her equestrian journey when she was 9 years old. Initially, the Tresans bought a flashy gray Welsh pony, I Am Superman, for Devon to take in the hunter ring. However, Superman lived up to his name and proved to be too speedy for the job. 

“He was super cute and just a great little ride,” Devon said, “but he was still a pony! He made me work hard for everything we accomplished together. I was lucky enough to ride with a trainer who did both hunters and eventing, so we were able to switch disciplines pretty easily. Those eventing lessons together kickstarted my love for the sport.”

Read all about Devon and her busy life in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more
@TrDevon Lane Tresan  @Devontresan

📸Photo by Carol Lane Tresan
📸Photo courtesy of Devon Tresan
📸Modeling photo by Sara Hanna, @atlphotos 

#model #fashion #photography #love #style #instagood #photooftheday #beauty #instagram #beautiful #like #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #Sidelinesmagazine
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • BLUE RIBBON SCHOLARS ONLINE
    BEAT THE BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES WITH BLUE RIBBON SCHOLARS Academic enrichment (K-12) at your personalized pace in Ocala and online Help with college essays, NCEA recruiting videos, and personal websites Get homework help, supplemental learning, and customized study plans • Test preparation (PSAT/SAT/SAT II/ACT) Presented by Blue Ribbon Scholars info@blueribbonscholars.com | www.blueribbonscholars.com 443-257-9549
    Follow us @blueribbonscholars Academic subject and test-prep tutoring also available!

    [Read more]

  • BED & BARN FARMS
    Lodging/Overnight Stabling Forest City, NC/Tryon Area 828-248-4463 www.bedandbarnnc.com

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island
  • A Paris Horse Adventure: Saut Hermes 2022

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Will Coleman Retains Yanmar America CCI4*-S Lead in Dramatic Show Jumping at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International
  • First edition of the World Sport Horse Sales was a hit with $410.000 for the most expensive horse
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp Takes Third Victory in $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field

Category

Recent Posts

  • Building a Bond With a New Horse

    By Margie Sugarman I just bought a new horse. I...
  • Developing Healthy Relationships With Your Barnmates

    By Rob Jacobs The purpose of this month’s colum...
  • The Value of Self-Coaching

    By Liz Halliday-Sharp The sport of eventing is ...
  • Unbridled With Annette Longenecker

    By Britney Grover  Annette Longenecker wasn’t j...
  • Preparing for the 2023 FEI World Cup Finals

    By George Williams The FEI World Cup Final in O...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!