Brittany Raenese  Scandrick - Deale: A Life of Passion and Resilience 

Brittany Raenese Scandrick - Deale was born on April 3, 1984, embodying the vibrant and energetic spirit of the astrological sign Aries. From a young age, her boundless enthusiasm and curiosity drove her to explore everything life had to offer. Brittany's dynamic personality and competitive nature made her a natural leader, always striving for excellence and never settling for second place. 

As the eldest of my two daughters, Brittany was known for her authenticity and straightforwardness. She embraced life with a fiery passion, and I made it my mission to guide her spirited nature with love, patience, respect and understanding.  At the age of five, Brittany began horseback riding lessons, which became the perfect outlet for her immense energy. Her talent and dedication to the sport were immediately evident, and she quickly fell in love with the world of equestrianism. 

When Brittany was 13, her Christmas gift was a Quarter Horse that she named Mahogany. The bond between Brittany and Mahogany was unbreakable, and she devoted herself to caring for her horse with unwavering love and commitment. Despite her varied interests, horseback riding remained her true passion. 

Brittany faced challenges in traditional academic settings, often feeling unfulfilled and restless. In the 11th grade, she made the difficult decision to drop out of school. However, with gentle persuasion and the prospect of losing contact with Mahogany, she reconsidered. Brittany enrolled in a GED program in Dekalb County. Though initially reluctant, she excelled beyond expectations, achieving perfect scores on every section of the final exam and earning special recognition for her outstanding performance. 

This experience revealed Brittany's unique gifts and helped her realize her potential. With newfound confidence and the support of her beloved horse, Brittany began to look forward to a bright future. 

Tragically, on December 9, 2006, Brittany's life was cut short when she was brutally shot and murdered at the age of 22. The loss was devastating, and the grief I felt was overwhelming.  It was only through God’s Grace that I found the strength to recover and embrace a new mission: to honor Brittany’s legacy by creating opportunities for underserved children. 

In memory of Brittany, I founded an equestrian non-profit dedicated to providing urban children with access to the joys and benefits of horseback riding. By introducing these kids to the ranch, we aim to inspire them with the same passion and resilience that defined Brittany’s life. Through this organization, we continue her legacy, offering a positive and encouraging environment for children to thrive and explore their potential. 

For one to fly, one needs only to take the reins.”
— Melissa James