MONROVIA, IN (January 20, 2018)—The Indiana Quarter Horse Association (IQHA) recently dedicated a room at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in memory of IQHYA member Kiley Marschand. The room, a tribute to Kiley and the American Quarter Horse is the result of fundraising efforts of the IQHA Youth association and a generous contribution by former IQHA President Steve Headley and his wife Kathy.
Kiley, a member of IQHYA and regular exhibitor at IQHA shows was diagnosed with Leukemia in February of 2015. As a tribute to Kiley’s generous spirit, the members of IQHYA began a fund-raising effort to contribute money to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital-the hospital responsible for Kiley’s treatment. In June of 2015 IQHYA members hosted a pie in the face auction, offering up the opportunity for exhibitors to purchase a pie to smash in the face of their favorite trainer. With the cooperation of some of the industry’s most well recognized horse trainers and the financial support of IQHA State Show Exhibitors and the Headley family, IQHYA was able to make the initial donation to start the process of planning the IQHA room at the hospital.
Sadly, Kiley lost her battle with Leukemia in June of 2016. With the concern of a huge financial undertaking for IQHYA and an entire youth association full of heart broken kids-The Headley family made the tremendous donation of the remaining funds to complete the room.
As of October, 2017, the Indiana Quarter Horse Room at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital is a functioning space for children fighting illness. A tour of the room exhibits all the things that Kiley loved. Her horses’ names are all included, her favorite color, purple is on the walls, there is even a trail course on the floor.
“In the wake of something tragic, we have had the opportunity to create something beautiful for countless children to enjoy,” said Chris Jones, IQHA President.
The Indiana Quarter Horse Association is a state affiliate of the American Quarter Horse Association. Established in 1948, IQHA is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2018. For more information about IQHA visit www.iqha.com or contact IQHA Secretary Ginny Tauer at iqhatauer@gmail.com.
