LIVE OAK — Cowboys and cowgirls are joining together to host a benefit rodeo for Jacee Beth Thomas.

The benefit rodeo will be held Dec. 31 at the Bob Holmes Arena at the fairgrounds in Live Oak.

Thomas is a 17-year-old girl from Hoboken, Georgia, who suffered a dramatic brain injury when she was hit by a train when she crossed railroad tracks near her home May 24. The train hit her on the driver’s side of her car and pushed her more than 1,700 feet before coming to a stop.

She was life flighted to UF Shands Hospital in Jacksonville.

Thomas is currently at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where they specialize in brain and spinal cord injuries. She was transferred July 6.

Before her accident, Thomas was a top barrel racer and breakaway roper.

Daily updates on Thomas can be seen on the Facebook page, “Prayers for Jacee Beth Thomas.”

Event organizer Justin Thigpen said Thomas is working hard daily with several devoted therapists, doctors, nurses, technicians and other staff that are helping the beautiful shining star work her way back home to the western way of life that she loves.    

Thigpen said you cannot attend an equine event without seeings Jacee’s name worn proudly on bracelets, shirts, caps and jackets by the people of “Jacee’s Village.”

He added people from all over the United States, Canada, Australia, and as far as South Africa are checking on, talking about and praying for Thomas every day.

The rodeo will feature bull riding, bucking horse riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and team roping.

Thigpen said the rodeo will feature professional riders from all across the country.

Tickets are $10. Admission is free for children 5 and under. All proceed will go toward Thomas’s medical care and therapy.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the rodeo starts at 8 p.m.

For more information, contact Justin Thigpen at 706-818-0604.