Tacey Raye Raulerson

Miss Tough Enough To Wear Pink Four States Rodeo Queen

Tacey Raye Raulerson, Miss Tough Enough To Wear Pink Four States Rodeo Queen, was chosen to represent cancer survivors throughout the Four States area of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Tacey, the 10-year old from College Station, Texas, has become a spokesperson and encourager for cancer survivors and children with special needs.
Tacey was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer, Retinoblastoma, when she was 7 ½ months old. Retinoblastoma causes malignant tumors to form in the eyes of infants. When she was diagnosed, the doctors were not very optimistic that Tacey's eyes could be saved but they were willing to attack the disease with some aggressive chemo in the hopes of saving at least some of her vision, but more especially, her life.
Only six weeks into the chemo, the doctors realized her left eye could not be saved. The tumors were on the verge of spreading through her optic nerve to her brain. The left eye had to be removed.
This was just the beginning of a long road of multiple rounds of chemo, radiation, laser therapy and cryotherapy. By the time she was 2 years old, Tacey had endured more medical procedures than most adults would in a lifetime.
After years of fighting to save her right eye and as much vision as possible, the doctors and her parents came to the realization that in order to continue to save her life it was necessary to also remove her right eye. One month before her 7th birthday, Tacey underwent the surgery that would leave her blind.
Once again, Tacey emerged happy and strong. She adapted very quickly to her new life. However, her fight was not finished. Tacey had to again undergo very intensive and aggressive chemo in order to save the rest of her body from any spreading cancer cells.
Cancer may have taken her sight, but it has not taken her courage. Soon after she lost her second eye, she rode her first horse and a new passion and dream was fueled. Now those dreams are being realized as she reigns as the first ever Miss Tough Enough To Wear Pink Four States Rodeo Queen. During her reign, Tacey has many duties, but her primary task is to spread her uplifting spirit and to encourage others to set their sights high.
Tacey is working on Western Pleasure riding. She and her horse, Tuff Enough, make appearances at rodeos, Cowboy Churches, schools, cancer benefits and other special events. They carry a flag, lead the grand entry and ride the arena as their story is told. Tacey also talks to individuals, greets fans, poses for photos, signs autographs and cheers for the participants. She especially loves visiting with other special needs children who are participating in Exceptional Rodeos.
Wherever Tacey goes, she spreads hope, inspiration and encouragement with her joy and zest for life. She shares her story and courage with all she meets.
Traveling to rodeos and special events on the week-ends has become a way of life for the Raulerson family. They enjoy meeting the cowboys, cowgirls, bull fighters, pick-up riders, announcers and all other important participants/supporters of the rodeo. Since being crowned, Tacey has had the privilege of appearing at many rodeos and very special functions.

Traveling has become a fun ministry and adventure for the family. They travel to share Tacey’s remarkable story and to inspire others to live their dreams.
Thank you so much for allowing us to support the awareness of cancer, children with disabilities and the rodeo industry!

Appearances:
2008
Texas Heritage National Bank PBR Challenge Enterprise Rent-A-Car Tour Sulphur Springs, TX
Four States Fair and Rodeo Texarkana, AR
Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo Rosenberg, TX
National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon Ft. Worth, TX
Heartland ProRodeo Championships Waco, TX
Texas Stampede Dallas, TX
UPRA National Finals Sulphur Springs, TX
National Finals Rodeo Las Vegas, NV
Miss Rodeo America Pageant Las Vegas, NV
National Finals Tonight Las Vegas, NV
2009
CBR World Championship Las Vegas, NV
San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo San Antonio, TX
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Houston, TX
Fish and Still Equipment CBR Deere Country Challenge Lufkin, TX
Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo Pocatello, ID
Texas A&M College Rodeo College Station, TX
Miss Rodeo Texas Pageant San Antonio, TX
Sky Ranch Rodeo Camp Van, TX
Four States Fair and Rodeo Texarkana, AR
Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo Rosenberg, TX
Heartland ProRodeo Championships Waco, TX
National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon Ft. Worth, TX
CINCH CBR West Texas Showdown Lubbock, TX
Texas Stampede Dallas, TX
UPRA National Finals Sulphur Springs, TX
National Finals Rodeo Las Vegas, NV
Miss Rodeo America Pageant Las Vegas, NV
2010
Texas Circuit Finals Waco, TX
Upcoming Appearances:
Feb. 2010 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
March 2010 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
March 2010 Miss Rodeo Austin Pageant
March 2010 Rodeo Austin
March 2010 Tuff Hedeman Championship Challenge (CBR)
April 2010 CBR Horizon Series
April 2010 Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo
April 2010 Henderson County PRCA Stampede
April 2010 Helotes Festival Association Rodeo
July 2010 Sky Ranch Rodeo Camp
September 2010 Four States Fair and Rodeo
October 2010 CBR West Texas Showdown
October 2010 All American ProRodeo Championships
October 2010 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon