Not to get too heart felt on you, but so often in todays world we forget the things that really matter, and get caught up in the small stuff, like another Derek Jeter 6-4-3 double play. Then, there comes a time when real life transcends the sports world, and for a moment in time albeit it a short one we take a step back and realize that it really is just a game. I'm a believer in the universe, and that things are meant to happen, and that in the end there is a great balance that controls the fabric of society. For death, there is life. As many of you know, the trio is now part owner in a race horse named WriteThatDown. We purchased our share through Fantasy Lane Stable (FLS), and that is where this story begins.
In May of 2004, the President of FLS, Mr. Bob Hutt recieved a phone call from a good friend of his who is involved in these horse auctions. The friend INSISTED that Mr. Hutt buy a particular horse. Bob however recieved this phone call just hours before the auction, and couldnt bring himself to spend his partners hard earned money on a "tip" without giving it his own due diligence. That horse was purchased for $75,000 and his name was Afleet Alex. For anyone who is familiar with the horse racing game that means something to you, and for those who are not...he finished 3rd in the Kentucky Derby, then went on to win both the Preakness, and Belmont Stakes. Afleet Alex was named after a little girl Alexandra "Alex" Scott who was diagnosed with childhood cancer. Alex unfortunately would succomb to her disease at the young age of 8 (you can check out more about Alex and the foundation that she set up at http://www.alexslemonade.org/). While Mr. Hutt and the rest of the FLS family only knew of Alex through their near miss of buying Afleet Alex, they like all others who were aware of the story had their hearts and prayers with the little girls family.
Fast forward to April of this year. Bob is down in Ocala, FL at an auction, ready to buy one of his prized 2 year old horses. Not only did he snag one, but they actually purchased two. One of the horses happened to be a filly (thats a female horse for those of you who are unaware) whose Sire (father) was...you guessed it Afleex Alex. Bob was thrilled to have purchased the offspring of the champion horse he just missed out on. Last thing to do would be to name the horse...
FLS allows all partners to suggest a name, and then they are voted on. One of the e-mails was sent from a partner named Ron out in Idaho. In his heartfelt e-mail, Ron explained that his wife's best's friends daughter is in her final stages of cancer. A little girl named Joyce, from the Netherlands. Ron suggested Joyce's Angel as the name of the Afleex Alex filly. Being a man who believes in fate, Bob agreed that this was indeed something that was meant to be. FLS now has "Joyce's Angel" running it it's stable. The story does not end there however...most of, if not all of the FLS partners showed just how kind the human spirit can be. Ron had mentioned that he was trying to fly Joyce and her family to the United States (a place that she had never been before, but always dreamed of going to) within a few hours offers of money, and sky miles were being sent to Ron to help get Joyce and her family over to the states. Joyce's father was concerned that the trip would take too much of a toll on her, but after consulting her Doctor, the family was advised that the trip was a go. In either July or August, god willing Joyce and her family will fly to New Jersey. Joyce will get to visit New York, and also take a tour of the barn area at Monmouth park, and award a trophy to the winning owners of a race.
In a show of the balance of the universe, a missed opportunity five years ago, a second chance five years later, and the continued honor of little Alex Scott. When put up against it, the compassion of the human spirit is unmatched. All of the FLS partners can't wait to meet our new hero this summer, Joyce.
If you have any interest in learning more about Joyce's story, or making a donation on her behalf please send us an e-mail at efyousports@gmail.com.
-E
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