MEAGHAN PERRIGO BIOGRAPHY

• Hometown: Crouse, NC
  
• Age: 20 years old 
• Education: Queens University, Nursing Major
• Talent: Tap Dance
• Parents: Joe & Belinda Perrigo

Congratulations on being chosen as a member of the 2008 AZALEA QUEEN'S COURT. We are very proud of you!

PLATFORM:

Equine Assisted Therapy

  Shining hope is exactly what this program offers its participants.  Image the life of a child that struggles with a disability.  Now image how important it is to this child to have fun on a horse while enduring the pain of physical therapy.  Therapeutic horseback riding gives individuals structured lessons, that on a regular basis, provide these benefits:  increased confidence and self-esteem, improved coordination, muscle control, and mobility. 

   More than 21% of the population could benefit from therapeutic horseback riding under the guidance of trained professionals.  There is a lack of resources available for these children; families typically have to incur cost that far exceeds their medical benefits.  Shining Hope is a non-profit organization that does not charge participants for therapy sessions.