The Schmidt family of Steiner Ranch is one of more than 70 grant recipients since Hill Country Special Needs Alliance formed nine years ago. (The HCSNA is hosting Run the Ranch on March 8 to raise funds, see details below.)
Hudson Schmidt, (6), has faced many medical challenges. He was born with congenital heart defects and then suffered respiratory failure in 2020, which resulted in a six-month hospitalization and the loss of his ability to communicate verbally.
HCSNA approved and paid for an initial assessment with Steiner Ranch Behavior Therapy’s Dr. Jennifer Haak, which resulted in a plan to support Hudson’s communication needs. Additional funds from HCSNA’s respite care program allowed Hudson to attend the Williams School Summer Camp, a program that supports special needs.
“The support provided by HCSNA allowed Hudson to have some fun last summer, while continuing to develop skills that prevented regression during the break,” said Hudson’s mom, Rachael Schmidt. Schmidt said Hudson’s communication is improving because they’ve continued weekly therapy sessions with Dr. Haak, who educates him on using his communication device and collaborates with his private and school speech therapists.
“We want everyone to know about the Hill Country Special Needs Alliance,” said Schmidt. “Their support and understanding is greatly needed by so many families in our community who are facing challenges like ours.”
17th Run the Ranch
More than 400 runners and walkers will gather in Steiner Ranch on Saturday, March 8, for the 2025 Run the Ranch 5K & Kids Fun Run. In its 17th year, the race is a community favorite, attracting locals from Steiner Ranch, Four Points and surrounding areas. Along with the 5K race and Kids Run, the event features breakfast, a vendor fair, kids’ activities, finisher photos and a silent auction.
Produced by the volunteer-run Hill Country Special Needs Alliance, Run the Ranch benefits the nonprofit organization to help further its mission. One hundred percent of the event’s proceeds go directly back to the community to families of children with special needs.
“Run the Ranch is special to our family, combining two of our greatest passions—running and community,” said Steiner Ranch resident and race participant Elyse Derian. “I’m grateful to have such an amazing race in our own neighborhood that introduces the joy of running to all ages—all while supporting an amazing cause.”
HCSNA was formed in 2016 by several Steiner Ranch families who knew firsthand how expensive assistance and therapies were for their kids. Its mission is to help offset the unique financial challenges faced by families of children with special needs. The 501(c)(3) organization provides assistance for much-needed therapies, equipment, inclusion camps, respite care and other needs rarely covered by insurance.
To register for Run the Ranch or support the Hill Country Special Needs Alliance, visit www.hcsna.com. To apply for assistance, visit www.hcsna.com