SAN DIEGO -- 10News honors Stephanie Brehm for founding the Leg-Up Ranch, whose mission is to bring hope, strength and inspiration to individuals with life altering challenges through trail rides and personal instruction at the ranch.

Stephanie’s son, Dylan, was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of four and after a long and painful battle Dylan thankfully conquered the disease. During those years Stephanie realized just how difficult life becomes when someone you love is going through a terrible "life altering challenge." She decided that she was going to open a ranch where people struggling with illness could come with their families and heal together.

This organization has made an enormous difference in the life of others. The woman who nominated Stephanie for this award has been specifically affected by the ranch when she brought her husband who had suffered a traumatic brain injury ten years earlier. Barbara was shocked by how positively influenced her husband was by the experiences he has with the horses. Though his speech has been strongly impaired by the brain injury he managed to explain to Barbara how badly he wanted a horse of his own that he could take care of. When Stephanie heard about this man’s wish she showed up at the Schor’s house and surprised the family with their very own miniature horse.

The Leg-Up Ranch was started in 2004 and Stephanie continues to put her time and effort into this organization. She is assisted by board members and employee's who freely volunteer their time to help out. Since she offers families to come to the ranch at no charge she relies on outside sources to help her keep this organization alive. Most of the funding comes from fundraising events, grants, and corporate or individual donors. Due to the many economic issues that are going on right now through Stephanie has found it increasingly harder to keep the ranch up and running.

If you would like to learn more about the Leg-Up Ranch or send them a donation please visit www.LegUpRanch.org.