Betty’s “𝒮𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎”.

Randy Pausch stated, “We cannot change the cards we are dealt just how we play the hand.” This quote is a staunch realization that no matter what plans you may have, situations arise that are out of your control, and you only get to choose how you move forward with them. If this quote doesn’t describe our 2023 Guiding Light recipient, Betty Kridle, we don’t know what does.

For those that know Betty, you know she is almost always smiling, kind but firm, a little hard headed, grandmother to all, and loyal to no end. For those that don’t know Betty, you’re missing out on an incredible human who would stand with you through thick and thin and we invite you to allow us to introduce you to her.

Betty has been a part of the barrel racing community in Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas for 53+ years. She has always enjoyed the sport and the individuals that are involved within. She and her son, Billy, have run barrels in various associations throughout the years, enjoying every moment of it. They have formed bonds that are irreplaceable and have lasted a lifetime.  

Cancer doesn’t discriminate. We’ve all heard it, we’ve said it, and Betty is living proof of it. Betty hasn’t just been diagnosed once, but twice, and now a third time in her 71 years of life. Her first round came ten years ago. It was Ureteral cancer. Betty took it in stride, surgery to remove the mass and onward to a new day. Then came the second round, four years later, metastatic breast cancer. This one took a toll.  Thirty-four rounds of radiation and a lot of ups and downs, but Betty came out triumphant. Betty and Billy continued their riding and travels. They helped produce shows and were cheerleaders for the kids and their friends. They enjoyed themselves, and did their best to put this obstacle behind them.

The kick in the gut came in October 2022. A broken rib sent Betty to the Emergency Room. After X-Rays, the doctor came back in and asked if they could sit down and Betty knew, telling the doctor, “I’m in trouble, aren’t I?” The cancer came back with vengeance. It was now everywhere, with the exception of her brain. The plan was maintaining and keeping it at bay, remission might not be on the table with this round. The hardest news came the day the doctor told her, due to the severity of the cancer in her spine, she had to quit riding. Riding had been her lifeline. It gave her an escape, and she had just lost that. This round is taking a great toll on her. It has been full of ups and downs, good days and lots of bad days. There have been many tears cried and wondering, “Why me? I wasn’t that bad of a person.” Betty is thankful for every waking moment spent with her husband, son and her dog, as well as the time she can go to the barn and enjoy the horses. They have helped keep her spirits high through the challenging days. “I thank God for each day I’m given. There is nothing harder than going in for a treatment and seeing a young person that has the same battle going on. I’ve had a really good life and am very thankful for that.” Betty notes, she has made the best of friends with her time in the equine industry. Many friends have been there for years, others are new relationships. They have all played a very important role through her cancer journey. Some provide a much-needed hug with no words, others a short text checking in, and some have connections that have made getting appointments attainable that would have otherwise been a long shot to schedule.  

Betty’s friends and family have kept her going. They’ve all given her the strength to stay the course and have helped to pull her out of the dark times when her faith and strength have waivered. She has her goals and keeps her focus on the necessary things in life. Betty vows that she has a lot more laughs and memories to make. This is the hand she chooses to play with the cards she was dealt.

Betty wanted to leave anyone that might be newly diagnosed with this: “Enjoy each of your days and don’t let it consume you. You are going to have good days; and sometimes, the bad days are just God telling you, ‘It’s time to rest.’”