In a heart beat Gerry Briggs applauds the AHJF’s emergency relief fund for the gift of hope

December 01, 2009

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For Gerry Briggs it was all about his heart and the heart of the AHJF’s Emergency Relief Fund to help people in need. The Tennessee resident had a heart attack in August of 2007 and was in need of double bypass surgery, but his insurance did not offer major medical coverage.
“The expenses of the procedure would have put great stress on me,” he explained noting that “the AHJF came through with necessary funds.”
Dealing with any traumatic situation is tough and so Gerry turned to family and friends to help him get through both the physical and mental emotion of his situation. However, at the time he was even more concerned about the financial burden.
“I had nowhere else to go. I work as an independent contractor (judge, course designer, announcer), so when I don't work I don't make money. I needed the funds to assure the hospital that their bill would be paid. The AHJF and the Emergency Relief Fund allowed me to get the procedure and saved my life. Knowing that the Fund was there and able to help was a blessing. You never know how lucky you are to get a second chance at life until it looks you in the eye.”
Surprisingly, it was the need for surgery that was the reason Gerry learned that the ERF existed. “A friend of mine told me about the ERF and how it has helped many people. It ultimately saved my life.”
Those are pretty strong words but imagine how he felt not only knowing that he had to undergo such a life-threatening procedure but also worrying about how he was going to pay for it all. “I knew I had to go through this alone and that was terrifying,” he admitted. That’s when the ERF was able to step in and fulfill the purpose for which it was created; to alleviate some of the worry that goes with situations such as Gerry’s.
Gerry explained that the money he received “paid all the medical bills, surgical procedure and hospitalization. It allowed me to focus on recuperating and for that I am eternally grateful.”
When Gerry was asked if he would be willing to share his story, he didn’t even hesitate and recalled a conversation he had with a friend.
“Before going into the hospital one of my dearest friends was trying to boost my confidence to get me mentally strong. I told him about what AHJF was doing for me and I'll never forget what he said. ‘God gives you the gift of life and AHJF gives you the gift of hope and a blessing of a second chance on life. Now take what you have received from both and fulfill your destiny of a long and healthy life.’”
For Gerry in that most critical time in his life, those words were an enormous blessing. Now year’s later as he looks back he is extremely thankful for how things unfolded.
”I have long thought about what would have happened to me if I didn't have the help of the Emergency Relief Fund. How healthy would I be now? Would I have been able to go ahead with the procedure? Would I even be here now? The AHJF and the ERF gives people like me the opportunity and hope that whatever your situation is and whatever your needs are they will be there to help.”
Gerry paused for a moment reflecting on the past but looking forward to the future before continuing. He felt compelled to take a moment to encourage others to donate to this worthy cause.
“I know times are tough financially but remember every time you can donate, you not only could help a friend or loved one, but you allow people in our wonderful sport to have a chance of hope in desperate times; a second chance at life when you thought there was none. There are many blessings that are given to you in your lifetime. My blessing was the AHJF and the Emergency Relief Fund.”
THE AHJF AND THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND – WORKING TOGETHER
A total of $37,000 (115 individual donations) was donated to the ERF in support of its efforts for Gerry. While those donating cannot earmark funds for any one cause or purpose they can donate to the fund as a sign of support for what the ERF does.
The AHJF Emergency Relief Fund was established in 1995 as the benevolent arm of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation. It was established to provide emergency financial support to individuals in the show hunter and jumper sport suffering from an incapacitating illness, catastrophic accident or injury. The Board of the AHJF reviews emergency situations and makes a determination in accordance with the need. The money to fund this program comes from private gifts, WCHR member events, dedicated fundraising events and horse shows willing to encourage exhibitors to make a contribution, such as The Capital Challenge Horse Show, which each year adds a $5 donation to each entry during their one-week show. Donations are tax deductible as charitable contributions. Since its inception over $450,000 has been distributed.
The ERF is only part of what the AHJF offers. The organization was formed in 1992 to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter rider and show jumping competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider and show jumping equestrian competition. Other programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards. The AHJF also hosts the Professional WCHR Finals (October 2, 2009) and the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular in Florida on February 20, 2010.
Tax donations can be sent to the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund to help fellow horsemen by calling 508-835-8813, e-mailing AHJF@earthlink.net or mailing: AHJF Relief Fund, PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583.

By Diana De Rosa

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American Hunter Jumper Foundation

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In a heart beat Gerry Briggs applauds the AHJF’s emergency relief fund for the gift of hope