Community rallies around young rodeo champion battling rare autoimmune disease

Hailey Waldo

Riverbend News

What began as a promising rodeo career for 12-year-old Ellie Cantey has become a courageous fight for her health, but friends, family and the local equestrian community are determined to help her return to the place she loves most: the saddle. 

Cantey, a talented young barrel racer and pole bending competitor, has spent years training alongside her beloved mare, Penny. Her hard work paid off during the 2025 rodeo season when she was crowned Senior Champion and also earned Reserve Champion honors in both Barrels and Poles. 

Soon after that successful season, everything changed. In 2023, Cantey was diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own platelets. 

Platelets are essential for helping blood clot. When platelet levels become dangerously low, even a minor bump, bruise or fall can lead to severe bleeding. 

For a time, Cantey was able to continue competing when her platelet counts were stable enough. However, about a year ago, her counts dropped into the single digits, making horseback riding far too dangerous. Her family says the intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments she has been receiving are no longer providing the results the doctor had hoped for. They are now preparing to travel to Miami, Fla., to seek a second medical opinion and explore additional treatment options. 

Although being sidelined has been heartbreaking, Cantey has not lost hope. To help offset the growing medical and travel expenses, friends and supporters are organizing Ellie’s Benefit Barrel Race, planned for Saturday, Aug. 15. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks. 

The benefit will be a fun-filled day for the entire family. Planned attractions include barrel racing, food vendors, local businesses and a variety of raffle prizes. 

Donations already include multiple types of hay, massage therapy and red- light treatment sessions, equine wellness services, including hoof care, dental care and chiropractic work, as well as a breeding opportunity with a highly pedigreed stud horse. 

Beyond raising funds, organizers hope the event also shines a light on ITP, a condition many people have never heard of. The family shared that every prayer, donation and word of encouragement has helped carry them through this difficult journey. 

“Our hearts are broken, but our hope is not,” the family said. “We are working toward answers, healing and getting Ellie back in the saddle again, where she belongs. Thank you for believing in our girl and for riding this journey with us.” 

To donate to the family’s GoFundMe account, visit gofundme.com/f/support- tina-ellie-during-hospital-stay.