The ranch was conceived and designed with the sole purpose of providing the experience of the great American cowboy to children suffering from cancer and various blood diseases, and to the siblings of children who have been victims of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Every year Deirdre, her husband and son live and work with the children at the ranch all summer long and in the spring.

Our objectives are to encourage in them a sense of achievement, responsibility and self-esteem, to instill pride and restore their dignity as they become aware of just how much they are able to accomplish. Many have become convinced that because they are sick they are not normal. At the Imus Ranch they quickly discover they can do anything any other kid can do.

The ranch is a magnificent facility. Nearly 4,000 acres with an old western town that rivals any movie set in Hollywood. All the kids become part of our extended family living together in the 14,000 square foot main ranch house… a stunning adobe hacienda that is an architectural masterpiece.

Their days are spent doing chores side by side with ranch wranglers and learning to care for and ride their very own horse. They round up our Texas Longhorn cattle, herd and feed the sheep, the buffalo, the chickens, goats and donkeys, taking part in the dawn to dust rhythms of the ranch while developing an enriching bond with animals that will last a lifetime. Our experience has shown when children suffering from these frightening illnesses are exposed to programs such as those offered by The Imus Cattle Ranch for Kids with Cancer it often contributes to their healing and recovery.

The Imus Ranch is totally and completely organic. We serve a strict vegetarian diet that can be accurately described as vegan in its food selection: no meat, no fish, no poultry no dairy. Further, all ranch cleaning agents are non-toxic, biodegradable, naturally derived materials free of all known or suspected carcinogenic substances. In addition, we use no pesticides or synthetic chemicals of any kind in our gardening, farming, or infrastructure and plant maintenance.

That, in brief, is what the Imus Cattle Ranch for Kids with Cancer is all about. It can become part of your legacy as together we change these kids' lives forever. Write to us.