Mom joined ABTC in 1981 after she got her second terv from Sharon Redmer - CH Starbright Devil's Advocate CD. She kept up that membership for 18 years until the summer 1999, when I was in a horrible horse riding accident and broke my pelvis in several spots. Mom took 3 months off of work - through FMLA, but unpaid - to take care of me. She lived in the hospital with me for my many stays and was at my side everyday I was home. Having her with me guaranteed the best of care and no worries for me, because she was always my proactive advocate. A girl couldn't ask for a more amazing mom!

Unfortunately, the 3 months of unpaid time off to a toll on family finances and all non-essentials had to be cut from the budget. For the short time, that included paying the ABTC membership. We had to eat and so did the dogs & horses. . . that was first priority.