Meet Our Board

Suzanne Hagmaier

President

I’m a two-time breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2008 & 2011. As I finished my chemo treatments and began my radiation, I decided I never wanted anyone to fight this disease alone. I began sitting with other women during their chemo treatments, answering their questions, hopefully removing some fear of the unknown. It became very therapeutic for me to help others navigate through their journey and find their new normal. I’ve met many brave, amazing women whom I have built lifelong friendships.

I had the opportunity to participate in the Hope Held by a Horse program with some of these women, and the experience completely changed my life and provided me a clear path. I went back to school to receive my Profit, Non-Profit Management Certificate, am currently enrolled in the EGCM certification program, completed a triathlon and now have 5 horses of my own. I’m so blessed to be a part of this incredible organization. Everything happens for a reason, and I firmly believe I am right where I’m supposed to be, doing what I love!

Diane Chaffee

Founder

I’m a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2007. As a healthcare provider, I understood the disease and the healthcare system. I even had a wonderful support team. However, through the process, I realized there are so many women who don’t. And even though I had people in my life to support me, I wanted to connect to others with breast cancer, others who were experiencing what I was experiencing. Most importantly, I wanted to connect outside of the normal hospital arena. One of my providers knew how deeply impacted I was and how much better I felt every time I went and spent time with my horse, Skye, and suggested I find an Equine Facilitated Learning program for breast cancer patients; however, I was unable to find one. “ It was because of my experience with Skye, that I saw the healing power of horses! At that moment, a seed was planted in my mind and in my heart to one day provide an equine program for women with breast cancer. That way, women, like myself, would have the opportunity to experience the magic of community and the wonder of horses and how both truly help us to learn, grow and heal.

Lisa Lambright

Secretary

I am a 13 year breast cancer survivor and a 10 year uterine cancer survivor.  When I received the diagnosis I was truly puzzled as it doesn’t run in my family.  Because I am diligent about monthly breast self exams I was the one who found the lump. I had just had a mammogram 6 months earlier and it wasn’t detected but it was there.  After finding the lump it was confirmed I had breast cancer.  I had a double mastectomy, six rounds of chemo and thirty-two rounds of radiation.  A month after my last radiation treatment I lost my mother at age 68 and forty-five days later lost my step father. So you might say that was a very challenging year for me.

As women we do not take care of ourselves or even put ourselves first.  I did not realize that I had not grieved or dealt with having breast cancer.  I typically do not group events or support groups but I was pleasant surprised and grateful for Hope Held By A Horse.  This program was amazing. I was very skeptical as I am afraid of horses.  I was blessed to be selected to attend the program and I decided its time to get out of my comfort zone.  The program was amazing!  I couldn’t believe how this program kicked started my recovery and healing journey.  I thought so highly of the program that I wanted to be a part of it and now I sit on the Board as the secretary of Hope Held By A Horse.  I look forward to continuing on the success of the program and to help grow the program to allow more women and men attend the program to start their journey.  I also own two companies The Great Create and LAS Ventures.  I have been married for 25 years and have three children Matthew (23), Rachel (22) and Adam (21).  I feel so blessed to have met some of the most incredible women and to be a part of this amazing program.

Ann Wolta Blackstone

Member at Large

The Hope Held By a Horse program changed my life! I was amazed that through this non-threatening and supportive environment, a horse could help me open up and receive what I needed to heal the emotional wounds of having breast cancer. I was very afraid of horses before going to the program, and I learned how to trust and allow my horse to protect me and receive his love – he even gave me a hug! So POWERFUL!!! Because of this enlightening experience, I decided to be a board member for Hope Held by a Horse. As a 3-time survivor of breast cancer, I received the most incredible therapy from the Hope Held by a Horse program. I want to be involved in helping other breast cancer survivors heal through the power of a loving relationship with a horse!