by Shanna Hatfield
Seven years ago, I was working on a sweet romance, The Christmas Cowboy, that had a saddle bronc rider as the hero.
If you are familiar with the world of rodeo, you know there is a saying, particularly among the athletes who compete in roughstock events, that it isn't a matter of "if" they get hurt, but when.
When I wrote a scene with my hero getting hurt at a rodeo, I tried to figure out how much medical attention he would receive there versus a need to be transported to a hospital. Unable to find solid answers to my questions, I reached out to the the Justin Sportsmedicine Team®.
Through mobile medical centers, they provide care at more than 125 PRCA rodeos annually. Their responses to my many questions were extremely helpful and I was so impressed by their kindness, I wanted to do a little something in return.
That year, I launched a campaign to donate a portion of my book sales to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund during the month of December.
The JCCF began in 1990 when the Justin Boot Company formed a partnership with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Aware of how traumatic injuries can be to rodeo athletes without the additional burden of financial worries, the JCCF provides a hand up when one is needed.
When rodeo athletes sustain catastrophic injuries that leave them unable to compete for an extended time, the JCCF is there to provide help to athletes and their families. They’ve awarded more than eight million dollars in need-based financial assistance to more than a thousand injured rodeo athletes.
One thing that makes the JCCF stand out among today’s numerous charitable organizations is the fact that one hundred percent of all contributions received are disbursed to eligible athletes. This is made possible by the joint efforts of the Justin Boot Company and the PRCA as they underwrite the administrative expenses associated with the JCCF, leaving the contributions to serve the intended purpose of assisting injured rodeo athletes. The generosity of Justin Boots, and the help from their partnership with the Justin Sportsmedicine Team® make it possible for the JCCF to remain fully committed to helping rodeo cowboys get back on their feet.
What began as a one-time donation has turned into an annual campaign called Read A Book, Help A Cowboy that provides an opportunity for me to give back to a wonderful organization. As someone who loves country life, rodeos included, this is a way for me to be able to say “thank you” to those who inspire me through their everyday work and lives.
For every book purchased (electronic, paperback, hardback and audio all included) from October 1 through December 24, I donate ten percent of the net proceeds to the JCCF.
You can find out more about Read A Book, Help A Cowboy on my website at http://shannahatfield.com/give-back
To kick off this year's campaign, I'm hosting the seventh annual Cowboys and Christmas Event on Facebook. Sixteen guest authors will join in four hours of fun, games, giveaways, and more. I hope you'll join us November 12 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Pacific Time).
USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.
Today through December 24, ten percent of the net proceeds from any Shanna Hatfield book purchase are donated to the 
