When Ford Mustang owners and enthusiasts from all over the Valley congregate at Pioneer Ford for its second annual Tricked Ponies Car Show on Sunday, Jan 13, they’ll be helping a special program that provides care for children facing life-threatening or life-limiting health conditions.

All the proceeds from registration fees and a silent auction will be contributed to Ryan House, a local nonprofit that provides a community of support and comfort care for seriously ill children and their families.

Ryan House is named for young Ryan Cottor, who will attend the show at Pioneer Ford, 13680 W. Test Drive, Goodyear, as he and his older brother did last year.

Ryan, 6, was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, the number one genetic killer of children under the age of two, is a group of inherited and often fatal diseases that destroys the nerves controlling voluntary muscle movement, which effects crawling,walking,head and neck control and even swallowing. His parents, devastated by the news and searching in vain for care support, turned their frustration into positive action by founding Ryan House in 2004.

The organization currently is raising funds for a facility that will be the Southwest’s first freestanding children’s palliative care house. Ryan House will break ground in 2008 and open in 2009.

Mark Spendley, the general manager of Pioneer Ford, met Ryan through a young relative and was moved by the need of families grappling with the tragedy of learning their children are seriously ill.

"I just want to help Ryan House achieve its goals,” he explains, “and I have been impressed by how many of the Mustang owners who participated in this show last year feel the same way."