In the video below, Tom Wylie introduces you to Alayna Hutchings, a young rodeo queen who is spreading cheer.
At pro rodeos across Montana, you’ll see penty of high profile athletes in the arena. They’re world champions, they’re heores to some. But the most heroic person at this particular rodeo in Great Falls, is a nine year old girl.
As rodeo fans stream out of the arena, they’re greeted by Alayna Hutchings, who comes bearing gifts. She and her family are handing out stick horses to every child in attendance. She brightens their day and only asks for one thing in return.
“I love it when I see everyone’s smile,” she said.
It’s personal for Alayna. A few years ago, she didn’t have much to smile about.
"Alayna was diagnosed with inoperable brain tumor when she was six,” said her father Danny Hutchings. "So her brain tumor, there's nothing they could do for it. She doesn't qualify for chemo radiation because it's embedded in her brain stem."
Alayna spent a lot of time in the hospital during COVID lockdowns, away from home and away from her family.
"I was not happy there. I wanted to go home because I missed my brother, I missed my animals. I really missed my house,” Alayna said. "I missed everything."
So Alayna has made it her mission to make sure no one feels the way that she did. She’s planning to visit 50 children’s hospitals in all 50 states to distribute toys and has already crossed a few off of her list.
“We want to do things that to help the kids to be happy so they don't get left out,” Alayna said. “Because imagine if there's like ten kids and they have nine toys and one can get left out. We want to give them more so they cann all get more supported."
Alayna’s efforts caught the attention of rodeo royalty, and it led to a new title: Little Miss Rodeo Universe.
And that allowed Alayna a new way to share her gifts. Even ones that's aren't so obvious.
"When she was diagnosed, we were like any other parent. You know, you're scared. You don't know what to do,” Danny said, "You want more answers, but when it comes down to the bottom of it, the only answer is for that kid to live her life at the fullest every day.”
To learn more about Alayna and to follow along on her journey, click here to visit her Facebook page.
