Erath County residents can see a few familiar faces in national rodeo broadcasts but they may have not expected to see CCS Hospice nurse Leigh Ann McFadden on April 11, watching intently as her son, Cort McFadden, competed in the Billings, Montana Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event.
“His mom Leigh Ann is a hospice nurse in Stephenville, Texas,” the announcer said as both were shown. “And her patients have become some of Cort’s biggest fans. When Cort found that out, he started making these home visits to the patients’ house just so he could say hello and brighten their day.”
Leigh Ann said the first patient to become a fan of his would ask about him weekly.
“Her face would just light up when she talked about him,” Leigh Ann said. “She had mentioned that she would love to meet him someday, so I asked Cort if we could make that happen. His response was ‘absolutely.’” “He was so sweet to her and asked about her multiple times,” she added. “We even Face Timed her from an event in Montana to say “Hi!” It was just pure joy to see her face light up like that!”
The 21-year-old rider who is ranked 7th in the world by PBR said meeting his mom’s patients has been just as exciting for him.
“The experience was awesome, and I really enjoyed seeing her light up and ask questions about my career,” Cort said. “I find it important to go see my mom’s patients because I think they are in a place in their lives where a smile can make a huge difference to them, and I feel that is necessary.”
Talking with the mother and son reveals they are both proud of each other’s careers.
“I’m proud of my son beyond words,” Leigh Ann exclaimed. “But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t holding my breath every time he nods his head in that chute! It’s nerve-racking, but also amazing to see him chase his dreams. Seeing how much his fan base has grown and the crowds cheering him on makes it all worth it.”
Rodeo runs in Cort’s blood as his grandfather was active in rodeo and his dad, Cory, is a PBR alumni who had notable rides on “Little Yellow Jacket,” once called the ‘Michael Jordan’ of bulls.
He’s noticed he’s been getting attention.
“I don’t ride bulls for recognition,” said Cort. “I ride them because I love the sport. When I was younger, I didn’t notice the attention my dad received because I was too young. As I’ve gotten older and got heavily involved in the sport, I understand how great of a rider he was and that makes me proud to be a McFadden.”
The pride is also evident when he speaks of his mom.
“I think my mom’s career in hospice care has been the greatest thing for her and the patients she gets to care for,” he said. “She loves helping people and they enjoy her so much. I really think this is what God placed her on Earth to do.”
“My favorite part of working in hospice is getting to know the clients and their loved ones,” said Leigh Ann of her career. “I feel so honored to be a part of that last chapter – to help bring them comfort, dignity and peace. I get asked often ‘How do you do it?’ but I truly feel honored to work in hospice care. When I get to do something special for them, like bringing my son in to meet a fan, it just reminds me how much joy can still be found in their lives.”
Leigh Ann said people have mentioned seeing the pair on TV last month.
“I didn’t expect all the attention, but I’m so glad its shining light on hospice care and the bond I share with my son,” she said.
A clip of the broadcast can be found on CCS Hospice’s Facebook page.
Cort will be competing in the PBR World Finals May 8-11 at the Cowtown Coliseum and May 17-18 at the AT&T Stadium in Fort Worth.