Dear Friends, Supporters, and Animal Lovers,

 

I'm reaching out to you today with a heavy heart and a plea for assistance. Our beloved Princess, a 28-year-old mare with an incredible history, is facing a heartbreaking battle with a terminal cancerous tumor. Princess, alongside her partner Star, served as trained police horses for the Florence Police Department in Florence, SC, and their journey is deeply intertwined with the legacy of my late father, Lt. Samuel Toney.

 

Princess and Star were more than just horses; they were my father's partners on mounted patrol and his cherished companions. After his passing, these noble equines found a new purpose within the Samuel Lee Toney Sr Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit established in his honor, offering police-based youth mentorship programs.

 

These magnificent creatures continued to serve the community, offering equine therapy that brought healing and wellness to children, adults, and even myself as I grieved the loss of my father. Princess holds a special place in my heart, as she was the first horse I ever mounted at the age of 14, guided by my father's wisdom and love for equines.

 

Recently, Princess's health took a devastating turn for the worse. The cancerous tumor has rapidly progressed, causing her immense pain and difficulty breathing as it presses on her throat's lymph nodes. Despite her love for food, she has lost a significant amount of weight within days, and her suffering is evident as she hangs her head low, with blood trickling from both nostrils.

 

In this time of despair, I am launching this fundraiser to ensure Princess's peaceful journey over the Rainbow Bridge. We want to give her a day filled with love, honor, and all her favorite snacks, fruits, and treats. Funds raised will also cover the cost of her burial at the farm she called home, as well as the veterinary bills incurred during this painful journey.

 

Additionally, any excess funds will be directed toward sustaining our Equine Therapy program through the Samuel Lee Toney Sr Foundation. As we navigate the changes ahead without Princess, we remain committed to continuing this vital program that has touched the lives of countless youths and community members.

 

Star, Princess's inseparable partner, remains well but faces an uncertain future without her companion. It was always our plan to adopt a new police horse to succeed them in the legacy of their service and my father's memory. However, this unforeseen tragedy has accelerated the need to consider the future of our Equine Therapy program.

 

Your support, no matter the size of your contribution, will help us give Princess the peaceful farewell she deserves and ensure the continued success of our Equine Therapy program. Every donation brings us one step closer to preserving the legacy of these incredible horses and my father's unwavering commitment to our community.

 

Please join us in honoring Princess and securing a bright future for the Equine Therapy program at the Samuel Lee Toney Sr Foundation. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us.

 

Thank you for being a part of Princess's journey and helping us carry forward the legacy of love, service, and healing that she represents.

 

With heartfelt gratitude,

Samantha Toney McCray and the Samuel Lee Toney Sr Foundation Family