STATEHOUSE (Aug. 15, 2023) – State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) Saturday presented Sandy Weatherwax, founder of LoveWay Inc. in Middlebury, with a Heart of a Hoosier Award for empowering individuals with disabilities and 50 years of service to the Elkhart County community.
Weatherwax founded LoveWay, which provides equine experiences for individuals with disabilities, in 1973 with her husband, Gary, in memory of their daughter, Laurie, who was actively involved in helping others with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.
"Sandy has contributed so much to our community over the last 50 years, and LoveWay has positively impacted so many lives," King said. "I'm so thankful for her compassion, empathy and dedication to individuals with disabilities. She truly embodies the heart of a Hoosier."
While in high school, Laurie took a school trip to Cheff Center in Michigan, which was the only therapeutic riding center in the United States at that time. Laurie said she was always interested in bringing therapeutic riding to Northern Indiana because her husband required a wheelchair after suffering a broken back in a car accident and could be able to ride again with the proper resources. The LoveWay name is inspired by Laurie's initials.
This program started by giving lessons in the Weatherwaxes' driveway with the help of specially selected horses and volunteers. Over the years, thousands of individuals with disabilities participated their programming. Each year, with the help of more than 160 volunteers, they serve more than 350 riders.
In 2014, Sandy authored, “Dancing In The Wind,” which tells the story of her family.
In 2022, King established her Heart of a Hoosier Award to recognize and celebrate outstanding individuals and local businesses that exemplify kindness, courage, thoughtfulness and transformative involvement in House District 49.
To nominate someone for a Heart of a Hoosier Award, visit King's website at in.gov/h49 and click on the "nominate" tab.
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State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes the eastern portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) (back, left) honors Sandy Weatherwax (front, right) with a Heart of a Hoosier Award at LoveWay Inc. in Middlebury on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, for empowering individuals with disabilities and her contributions to the Elkhart County community. Pictured from left to right, front row, former Middlebury Community Schools Superintendent Jane Allen and Weatherwax who is a founder of LoveWay Inc. Pictured from left to right, back row, King, Middlebury Town Manager Mary Cripe and CEO of LoveWay Inc. Shelley Becker.
