Elysian Fields and Heroes Helping Horses, Horses Healing Heroes (6H), a Montoursville nonprofit providing equine-assisted therapy to veterans, first responders, children, and families since 2021, is facing an uncertain future after the sudden passing of co-founder Rob Schnars. The program pairs rescue horses, many unadoptable elsewhere, with people struggling with trauma, anxiety, or loss, helping them heal through the horses’ reflective emotional responses. Co-founder Lee Ann Sickels is now fighting to keep the program alive amid bankruptcy proceedings after the farm was sold without their knowledge.

The therapy has profoundly impacted participants, offering a safe space for healing and confidence-building, with many describing the horses as family and vital sources of comfort. Sickels is appealing the bankruptcy case and launching a fundraiser to cover equipment, maintenance, and potentially relocate the farm to continue serving the community and protecting the rescue horses. A GoFundMe page has been established to support the nonprofit’s efforts to sustain this unique and life-saving program.