24 cancer fighters thrive | spring 2014
cf thrive. com
SPECIAL FEATURE
T
he experience of cancer can cause patients to reevaluate
their professional lives, their family life, their goals and
their passions. Frank Kuhar is no exception. A resident
of Vintondale, Pennsylvania, Frank always had a pas-
sion for horses but never really had the time to invest in the owner-
ship and the upkeep of these beautiful animals. One stage IV colon
cancer diagnosis and six months of treatment later, this horse lover
now has his heart set on opening the horse farm that he and his
wife, Cindy, have been discussing for years.
"We're planning to open a facility where cancer patients and sur-
vivors can come for some 'horse therapy,'" says Frank, who points
out that riding or even just brushing the gentle animals can create
a sense of calm and stillness for individuals who are under stress.
horizons
Cancer patients ofen fnd themselves assessing and prioritizing
goals and aspirations afer a diagnosis. By Bridget McCrea
A heavy equipment operator by trade, Frank has not yet returned
to work and, as such, is able to put time and thought into the farm.
His wife of 36 years and their adult daughter are both supportive
of the idea and looking forward to participating in the planning
and the running of the facility. "You forget all about cancer when
you are around horses," says Frank, who is currently exploring the
funding and certifcation options for the therapy side of the ven-
ture.
Te shif in focus that Frank experienced in the wake of the
cancer diagnosis has extended beyond the horse farm and into
his day-to-day priorities, which now revolve around enjoying life,
spending time outdoors and fully appreciating time with family
and friends. "I've been given my life back and a chance to continue
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