Halter breeders, Scott and Kelly Trahan of Dallas, Texas are counting their blessings the day after the Boston Marathon bombings. The couple had a close friend, Leo Verde, running in the marathon in honor of their ten year-old son, Christopher, who is affected by Cystic Fibrosis (CF).
“With us having a ten year-old son with this disorder–obviously the fundraiser, Breath of Heaven, and Leo are close to our heart,” Trahan told GoHorseShow on Tuesday morning. “Leo had my son’s name, Christopher, along with two other children, Claire and Jamie on his arm to help raise money for the condition. (See picture). Leo told me he put the names on his arm as a reminder that when it got tough, he could look down and remember that these children struggle to breathe everyday, and that he could fight and finish the race.”
Little did Trahan’s friend know that those names on his arm would bring him more strength and resolve than he has ever needed in his lifetime. Verde, who manages Sullivan’s Steak House in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, posted on his Facebook page this message shortly after the bombing, “It was the most horrific thing I have ever witnessed,” Verde states. “I was approximately 400 yards from the explosions, and Laure (his girlfriend) was in the VIP grandstand by the finishing line, about 300 yards–God bless all these poor people. Thanks for all the texts and calls. They are asking for people not to use their cells in fear that it might trigger other explosions.”
Trahan says that his friend texted him right after he finished the race, and then Scott heard about the bombs exploding at the finish line.
“I was worried because I had just talked to him,” Trahan remembers. “I also saw him shortly after the bombings on CNN discussing the blast and what he had seen. Luckily, he and his girlfriend got out safe. It is a somber event that took place during such a festive time in Boston. Two-thirds of the people that are running in the marathon are doing it for a cause and to help people. We told Leo that we would come next year to watch him run, and this tragedy would not deter us from living our lives without fear and enjoying the moment.”
According to CNN and other news outlets, three people have died, including an eight year-old boy and 170 plus individuals have been injured in the blast. Prayers and condolences go out to everyone from GoHorseShow.
