On June 29, 2010, when Tallen was only 5 years old, he was severely injured when a horse he was leading for his father, spooked and drug Tallen approximately 20 yards. Tallen was airlifted to University Medical Center in Tucson, AZ where he underwent many invasive surgeries. After recovering from a coma and sedation, Tallen was placed into intensive rehab at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. By the grace of God and what seemed like the whole country praying for him, Tallen was able to come home after roughly 150 days in the hospital.

Tallen has lost his ability to walk and talk. He currently uses a wheelchair for mobility and is learning sign language. He has always been a happy boy, and faces his daily therapy with a smile and determination. His real love is for rodeo and the western way of life. Prior to his accident, Tallen was quite the little roper and had been looking forward to junior rodeos with his horse, Chili. This is why February 24, 2012 was such a special day for this young man. It was on this day that Tallen became a Western Wish Kid and enjoyed the Tucson Rodeo with the likes of rodeo clowns Kelly Jennings, Wacey Munsel, and Andy; as well as World Champion Bareback Rider Will Lowe.

“Seeing the constant smile on Tallen’s face at Tucson did my heart good. All the cowboys made Tallen feel special! Will gave (Tallen) his riding glove, and ended up winning the round!”, stated Whitney, Tallen’s Mom.