SDRA Adopts A Wish for Ty Eschen

SDRA Adopts A Wish for Ty Eschenbaum
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You might say helping kids is the cowboy way. At least that’s true of the South Dakota Rodeo Association. That’s a fact that has been witnessed by Ty Eschenbaum and his family. The Lake Preston high school junior has battled leukemia and complications of the illness and medications for more than a year and a half. And early last year, Eschenbaum and his family were adopted by the SDRA as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s programs. Thanks to the foundation and to the rodeo organization, he and his parents, Jeff and Jody Eschenbaum, and brothers, Sterling, Calder and Stetson got some much needed time to relax together in Orlando, Fla.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has been granting the wishes of youth with life-threatening illnesses for more than 20 years and have made dreams come true for more than 500 South Dakota children. Wishes vary in size and scope, but all are made possible through volunteer efforts and those, like the SDRA, who raise or contribute funds for the foundation. More than 200 volunteers are involved with Make-A-Wish, and program coordinators offer high praise for their efforts. “They help us make this all come true for the kids,” Program Service Director Janice Sutera said. “That’s what it is, people helping people.”

The rodeo association has been involved with foundations for more than 13 years. The group adopted Eschenbaum’s wish, fully funding travel, spending money and other needs while the family spent five days touring Disney features.

Sterling Eschenbaum commented of the trip, “This vacation was a nice break for our family from the stress of dealing with Ty’s cancer. My family and I have been so proud of the way Ty has handled his treatment and recovery, and this vacation spent as a family meant a lot to all of us.”

When they returned, they had the opportunity to meet SDRA President Dan Pirrung and his wife Cathy of Hartford in Sioux Falls and expressed their thanks. “It’s an awesome thing,’ Jody Eschenbaum said. It was unfortunate events that brought the family into the Make A Wish project, but they feel fortunate to have shared in the efforts of the rodeo association and other volunteers. The Pirrungs and other association members feel equally fortunate.

Dan Pirrung said Ty Eschenbaum is a great kid and it was wonderful to share in a positive event with the family. The best part, Pirrung said, is seeing families return, still on “Cloud 9” with a treasure of good time and memories. “That right there is where it’s all at, “ he said. “It’s a great program to be able to re-energize those people.” His wife Cathy echoes that thought. She and other members of the rodeo association admire the strength shown by the youth and their families. “You look through the eyes of kids and you just appreciate so much,” she said.

The Pirrungs say their two young sons, ages 3 and 7, have learned a lot from the kids they have met. In addition to being a strong supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the rodeo association hosts a kid’s day each year during their Championship Rodeo Finals. Children are welcomed and treated to horse rides, wagon rides and an opportunity to try their hand at roping. Cowboys and other volunteers also host a brunch and provide gift packs along with free rodeo tickets. “It’s just a great day and enjoyed by all” Cathy Pirrung said.

Members of the association are pleased with what they have been able to accomplish through their efforts and said they are proud to be a part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “Whenever it’s involving kids, everybody’s hearts go out,” Cathy Pirrung said. “Seeing life through their eyes, you see so much more.”

(This article was submitted for reprint.)