***Reno Rodeo Foundation***

2007 Rodeo Wish Recipient ~ Lenna Fagan

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In 2003, the Reno Rodeo Foundation established the Rodeo Wish program to realize the dream of an exceptional young person in Nevada. We are pleased to recognize Lenna Fagan as the 2007 recipient.

A ninth-grade student from Gardnerville, Nevada, Lenna has a true zest for life. Whether it's playing soccer or racing around on her scooter, nothing keeps Lenna from leaping forward to achieve her goals. What makes this remarkable? Not only was she adopted from a Russian orphanage as an infant, Lenna was born without a right leg. Thanks to many generous individuals and a significant grant from the Reno Rodeo Foundation, Lenna now has a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg complete with a micro-processor knee that allows her a range of motion she has never previously experienced. Lenna's wish was to be able to walk without crutches so she could carry her books and be able to help out her dad by mowing the lawn. Thanks to the efforts of Rick Riley, an innovative prosthetist, she can do all that and more.

As the 2007 Rodeo Wish recipient, Lenna has had many opportunities to try out her new prosthetic leg, including riding into the arena during the 2007 Reno Rodeo. She was also an honored guest at Perry DiLoreto's gala dinner for the Reno Rodeo Invitational Team Roping and rode in the Reno Rodeo Parade.

Please take a moment to scroll through the photos of Lenna's adventures since she took her first steps in January into a very exciting future.

2007 Rodeo Wish Photo Gallery


The First Fitting	Lenna's First Step

Lenna trots down the stairs like a pro!

Rick Riley, Prosthetic Genius and All-Around Great Person, works with
Lenna to adjust the micro processor knee via "blue tooth" wireless capability

Lenna's first steps in the great outdoors. Such determination!

Lenna is the honored guest at the January Reno Rodeo Association Luncheon
Free from her crutches, Lenna enjoys helping herself to the buffet

Lenna expresses her gratitude to the Reno Rodeo

Lenna enjoys meeting Rodeo Foundation Trustees Steven Brown and Bill Bertelson
and 2007 President Kevin McKee and 2007 Miss Reno Rodeo, Jeannette Bye

Lenna and Lil' Bit get acquainted.

Lenna rode 'Bit' during the Reno Rodeo Wish
presentation at the 2007 Reno Rodeo

Lenna and Lil' Bit are off and running

Lenna with Lil' Bit's "Mom" - Gabby

Lenna and Marie in the Practice Arena

Thanks to Bill Pearce Motors, Lenna had a
stunning chariot for the Reno Rodeo Parade

Lenna volunteered with the Special Kid's Rodeo

Lenna was honored during the Sunday
and Tuesday Evening Special Kid's Rodeo Events

Professional Photo by Fred Cornelius

Lenna was an honored guest at the
Reno Rodeo Invitational Team Roping Gala Dinner
She is pictured here with John Solari,
President of the Reno Rodeo Foundation and
Teresa DiLoreto-Long, Daughter of Perry DiLoreto,
Producer of the RRITR event

Lenna and her mom enjoyed the
festive atmosphere at the RRITR Gala Dinner

The Fagan Family were special guest's of the 2007 Reno
Rodeo President the night of Lenna's Arena Presentation

Already a beautiful young lady, Lenna truly glowed
after a professional hair and make-up artist helped
her prepare for her big night

Lenna - the Media Star!

Lenna received thunderous applause as she
rode in to the arena, and even louder applause as
she fearlessly loped out a top speed
(Professional Photo by Fred Cornelius)

Lenna was invited to join the
Reno Rodeo Flag Team as they rode in for the
Finale of the Wednesday Night Performance

Gabby Watkins and Lenna share a hug!
Gabby was Lenna's unofficial trainer and
horse supplier for the Rodeo Wish program

The Fagan Family, Gabby and horse "Bit" shared
one last group hug as the evening came to a close.