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Vara Ranch and FSC Support Sky High for Kids: Creating Lifelong Memories for Warrior Families

  • Writer: Hannah Gonsalves
    Hannah Gonsalves
  • Sep 22
  • 3 min read

At Vara Ranch, we believe in creating experiences that bring people together and make a lasting impact. That’s why we are proud to support Sky High for Kids, an organization dedicated to comforting children battling pediatric cancer and other life-threatening conditions, funding vital research, and creating unforgettable memories for families.


Last year, our sister company FSC Inc. proudly joined as a Family Sponsor, contributing $30,000 to further Sky High’s mission. Vara Ranch has also supported the cause by donating numerous hunting experiences to Sky High’s live auctions, helping raise funds for programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of families facing pediatric cancer. Additionally, our team participates in many of Sky High’s annual fundraising events, including skeet shoots, golf tournaments, and galas that unite supporters nationwide in the fight against childhood cancer.


One of the most inspiring parts of this partnership is getting to meet the warrior families themselves. Take Christian, a sweet and chatty six-year-old with the heart of a true fighter. Friendly, empathetic, creative, and obsessed with math, Christian has defied the odds in ways that inspire everyone who meets him.


Christian’s journey began when he was just two years old. A fun day at a park in Plano, Texas, was the last day of life before cancer entered their world. Within days, Christian experienced extreme fatigue and sudden vision loss, leading to a diagnosis of stage 4 Burkitt’s Lymphoma, an ultra-aggressive cancer. From there, Christian faced seven months of intense treatment, including six rounds of chemotherapy, one round of radiation to protect his vision, two ICU stays, and seven ER visits. His immune system was obliterated during treatment, requiring him to endure life under strict isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Despite all of this, Christian approached life with courage and joy. He considered hospital visits as opportunities to “see his friends” and viewed even the most painful procedures as a game, counting to ten with bravery as anesthesia was administered. His resilience, positivity, and courage became a source of inspiration for everyone around him.


During this incredibly difficult time, organizations like Sky High for Kids provided crucial support for Christian and his family. Simple gestures, like gift cards for food delivery, brought comfort and relief from hospital meals and created small moments of normalcy during an overwhelmingly challenging period. This care reminded the family they were not alone and gave them the strength to focus on Christian’s fight.


Now, 3½ years into remission, Christian continues to thrive despite his low vision, and his family has returned to Houston. They are committed to giving back, supporting other families facing pediatric cancer, and advocating for the community that supported them in their darkest moments.


A recent highlight of Vara Ranch’s support for Sky High was hosting a weekend hunting experience, where Christian’s family and the winning live auction bidder came together to enjoy the Vara Ranch experience and create lasting memories. During the hunt, Christian’s grandpa, Gerald, harvested the blackbuck, while Christian and his family embraced the adventure together—a reminder of the joy and connection that meaningful experiences at the ranch can bring.


At Vara Ranch, we are honored to contribute to Sky High for Kids’ mission. Through donations, events, and immersive experiences, we aim to support families, fund life-saving research, and create moments of happiness and hope for children battling cancer. Together with our partners, we can continue building a brighter future for warrior families like Christian’s.


Learn more about Sky High for Kids and support their mission at skyhighforkids.org.


Sky High for Kids

 
 
 

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