In 2017, Caroline Lantz of Franklin, Tennessee, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that develops in nerve tissue and had spread throughout her body. While she continues to battle this aggressive, solid-tumor cancer, Caroline set her sights on a heartwarming dream to support and care for animals in need. Rural retailer Tractor Supply Co. helped make that happen.
On Tuesday, Tractor Supply and its foundation surprised Caroline with a shopping spree at the South Franklin Tractor Supply store, and the supplies she selected were donated to Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, a Franklin-based nonprofit that is committed to rescuing and providing a safe haven for sick, neglected, injured, and homeless animals.
“I don’t understand why any dog is ‘unadoptable,’ because every dog has a heart,” Caroline said. “This shopping spree was so much fun because people heard my wish for these dogs and made it come true.”
Caroline and her brother, Andrew, selected dog food, dog toys, treats and other accessories for Heaven Can Wait. Tractor Supply also surprised Caroline and Andrew with an assortment of toys and apparel befitting of the “Out Here” lifestyle. It fit perfectly with this holiday season of giving.
“Caroline could have wished for a trip anywhere in the world, or a shopping spree for herself, but instead she is focused on helping local animals in need,” said Marti Skold-Jordan, Tractor Supply Foundation manager. “From her infectious smile to her positive spirit, she is a true inspiration to all of us, especially during this holiday season.”
This gift was the brainchild of Tracy Kujawa, executive director of Angel Heart Farms. Caroline, who completed a two-year clinical cancer trial in April 2021 but relapsed in April 2022, rides horses at Angel Heart where she and Kujawa have become close friends. When Kujawa learned of what Caroline wanted to do, she brought together the folks at the South Franklin Tractor Supply and Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue & Sanctuary.
“Caroline is amazing. She is my girl,” Kujawa said. “As soon as I heard what she wanted to do I decided I was going to make it happen. Nothing was going to stop me. She is such a sweet and brave girl.”
To further support these organizations in their important work, Tractor Supply and its foundation gave donations to both Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue & Sanctuary and Angel Heart Farms.
