By Randy Strong

The Orange Leader

Weston Keisler, 11, woke up in his Vidor home Saturday morning filled with excitement and anticipation on spending a fun-filled day during Orange County’s annual Special Angels Rodeo at the Tin Top 2 Arena and Event Center but wished he had a real cowboy hat of his own to wear to the event. Little did he know his wish was about to come true.

Weston was diagnosed at a young age with GANS (Giant Axonal Neuropathy Syndrome), a very rare genetic disorder that affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems, however, that has not stopped this courageous boy from taking the bull by the horns to enjoy life with a gleam in his eyes and a smile on his face. It was that encouraging strength that caught the attention of Kate Webber.

Kate Webber, of Kountze, who had been recently diagnosed with cancer began donating her time to the non-profit organization Cowboys Who Care. 

The organization is dedicated to providing smiles, financial support, and free cowboy hats to kids with cancer and other serious illnesses. 

When Webber found out about Weston and discovered the brave, young boy’s wish she knew what she had to do. So Saturday morning, during the open ceremonies at the Special Angels Rodeo, Kate presented, to a very surprised Weston, a brand new cowboy hat.

Webber said, “I brought this cowboy hat to bring a little joy to someone’s life.” 

And that is exactly what she did because that one seemingly small gift made a young cowboy, Weston Keisler’s wish come true.