About I Ride For Life

At first glance, Alayna Hutchings is much like any other young girl. She adores her parents, Kaya and Danny, holds her own with her two older brothers, and is bursting with energy, creativity, and imagination. Alayna is vibrant, kind, and generous, with a spirit full of determination and joy. She’s made of sugar, spice, and a resilience that defies her age.

On March 13, 2022, Alayna was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The devastating news left her family reeling, but remarkably, Alayna showed no fear. In the days that followed, the prognosis became more severe—her tumor was deemed inoperable. Despite feeling powerless, her parents refused to surrender. They spent countless hours searching for answers, contacting doctors and hospitals across the country in the hope of finding a treatment option. When options seemed limited, they turned to prayer, holding tightly to faith and hope every single day.

As the months passed, filled with doctor visits, medical tests, and emotional highs and lows, Alayna continued to embody courage and positivity. Her enduring spirit inspired those around her, including family friend Clint Braunger. He shared with Danny that Alayna’s strength moved him deeply, and perhaps her purpose in life is to inspire others—reminding them that even in the face of cancer, dreams are still worth chasing.

Clint wasn’t alone in this belief. Rob Smets, another close family friend, began leading daily morning prayers on Facebook, dedicating them to Alayna and others in need. He told Danny that he believes Alayna is destined for great things—that her light has a purpose greater than anyone imagined.

Then, something remarkable happened.

One month later, Danny received a call from Katrina Mann with an incredible offer: all proceeds from The Wild Bill Rodeo would be donated to Alayna, and she would be crowned Miss West Yellowstone 2023. Shortly afterward, Rob Smets contacted Tres Rios, who generously offered to create a custom crown. Prairie Leather Designs and Cowboy Parables stepped in to craft a pair of custom chaps just for her.

The support didn’t stop there. Warren Johnson, recently inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame, reached out to say he would donate a horse and a custom pack saddle to be auctioned for Alayna, following the Gardiner, Montana horse drive held on May 27.

But Alayna hasn’t let the love and generosity she's received stop with her. Today, she visits children's hospitals to donate toys, care items, and gifts to brighten the lives of other children who are facing difficult battles of their own. Her goal is simple: to bring joy, comfort, and hope to others the same way her community has done for her. 

Her kindness and empathy reflect a heart far beyond her years.

Alayna’s journey is not just one of hardship—it is a powerful testament to perseverance, compassion, and the belief that even the smallest acts of kindness can spark something big. She wants the world to know that no matter what challenges you face, your dreams are always within reach. You don’t need to be extraordinary to achieve extraordinary things. You simply need to believe in your dreams—and follow them.

 These experiences have led to Alayna being crowned Little Miss Rodeo Universe, a title that has given her an even greater platform to support and inspire children across the country. She regularly performs the national anthem at events and seizes every opportunity to give back to others. 

 Vision Statement

Empowering hope one donation at a time, our vision is a world where children facing life-altering medical diagnoses are surrounded by unwavering support, limitless possibilities, and the resources needed to conquer every challenge on their journey to a brighter, healthier future.

Mission Statement

Dedicated to transforming the lives of children grappling with life-altering medical diagnoses, our mission is to provide compassionate support, and champion a community that embraces each child's resilience.  Through unwavering advocacy and collaborative efforts, we strive to empower these young warriors and their families, ensuring they find strength, hope and healing on their unique paths.

Values

1.  Compassion - We approach our work with deep empathy, recognizing the unique challenges children and their families face during life-altering medical journeys.

2.  Integrity  - We uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency, ensuring every donation is used responsibly and makes a meaningful impact on the lives we aim to support.

3.  Collaboration - We believe in the power of community and actively seek partnerships with individuals, organizations, and medical professionals to maximize our collective ability to make a positive difference.

4.  Resilience - Inspired by the strength of the children we serve, we foster resilience in the face of adversity, continuously adapting and evolving to meet the needs of those we support.

5.  Inclusivity - We celebrate diversity and inclusivity, recognizing that every child, regardless of background or diagnosis, deserves equal access to care, resources, and opportunities.  

6.  Hope - Central to us, we strive to be a beacon of hope for children and families offering support, encouragement, and a vision of a brighter, healthier future where disease doesn't define or limit dreams.