Two days prior to my departure, I took time off from training the mares for a very special visit.
The Barretos Children’s Cancer Hospital invited me to meet some of the children being treated and to present my motivational talk on my last journey.
After feeding the mares I drove to the hospital with my childhood friend Mark Maw, who will be helping me during the beginning of this new ride.
“Prepare yourself because it’s not easy,” I told him as we made our way to the hospital.
The Children’s hospital is full of colours, toys and games. It feels more like a mall than a hospital. But to see little kids with their heads shaved, using crutches to walk and laying in hospital beds can be very heavy on the heart.
When we arrived at the hospital we were guided to a classroom near the front of the building where the kids that spend long periods of time at the facility are home schooled.
“Filipe we are so happy you are here to share your story with us,” a middle aged doctor said before embracing me.
“I’m the one who is extremely happy to be here,” I said before shifting my gaze to the kids sitting in a circle behind her.
The room looked like it belonged in a European private school. Immaculately clean and organized. Books of all shapes and sizes lining the outside walls. Colorful chairs and sofas facing the front where a plasma television hung.
I went around introducing myself to all of the children before Guilherme, a bright little boy with a big smile who had a tumor removed from his leg a week prior, announced the class had prepared many questions for me.
“Oh boy, go easy on me, I’m scared of difficult questions,” I said causing everyone to burst into laughter.
Guilherme began firing off questions and passed the notebook to the other kids.
What did you feed your horses? How long did this journey take you? Why did you set off?
The list went on and on and on. After finishing the page and leaving the class with wide smiles and bright eyes, I went up on a small stage to set up my presentation as the room filled up with other children, their family members and doctors. Soon enough I was looking out at a full house.
Everything went according to plan until I began to explain my new journey to the audience. In classic Filipe fashion, when I told them about my motivation for this ride, my words disappeared as a large lump filled my throat and the tears filled my eyes.
“When I first visited this hospital I was so inspired, so in awe of the work being done here, I knew I needed to do something to help,” I struggled to tell them.
After a few minutes I was receiving hugs, signing autographs and taking pictures with kids, their parents and the doctors. It was such an amazing experience. It was exactly what I needed prior to my departure.
“I think you are now my new hero,” Guilherme said to me behind a shy gaze.
“No you are my hero,” I said giving him a hug.
Every time things get tough out on the trail and the slightest thought of quitting arises, I will think of this moment. I will remember the smiles on the faces of these powerful children. I will gain courage from their stories.
I ride for the Children of the Barretos Cancer Hospital and I hope I show them that anything is possible when you dream big.
