Eleven-year-old Hutton has been coming to The Shea Center for eight months, making steady progress in physical therapy utilizing hippotherapy. She especially enjoys riding Alik and the friendly banter she shares with her physical therapist, Caitlin “Cat” Wands, and ground driver Pete Barr. Cat encourages Hutton to work toward her goals, and Hutton responds well to her guidance.

Hutton was a competitive gymnast when her parents noticed she was limping on her left leg. Although doctors initially dismissed their concerns, her mother, Stephanie, persisted in seeking answers. Two years ago, an MRI revealed a mass on Hutton’s pelvis. She began chemotherapy and later underwent surgery to remove one-third of her pelvis and her hip socket. Today, she continues to receive chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy at UCLA as needed.

Hutton initially received physical therapy at home but did not enjoy it. That changed when her family learned about The Shea Center through the Brynn Wheeler Foundation. Now, Tuesdays and Thursdays—her therapy days at Shea—are her favorite days of the week. “If she is not feeling well from the side effects of her treatments, she seems to rally on Tuesdays and Thursdays so she can ride at Shea,” Stephanie shares.

Over the past eight months, Stephanie has noticed significant improvements in Hutton’s confidence, strength, and mobility. She is walking more, relying less on her wheelchair, using her walker more frequently, and learning to use a cane. Cat shared her observations about Hutton’s progress: “Hutton continues to improve her range of motion and lower extremity mobility. She can now stand in her stirrups while her horse is walking and is gaining overall strength and endurance, allowing her to stand and walk for longer periods of time.”

The family travels from Yorba Linda twice a week, a commitment Stephanie says is well worth the progress Hutton is making and the enjoyment she gets from her treatments. Stephanie is also grateful for the support of Hutton’s grandmother, who lives with the family and helps manage the household and care for their pets.