Elginite channels lifelong grit

Hutson’s annual bull riding event fuels community mission

A 27-year-old Elgin resident has transformed life’s challenges into a powerful force for good, rallying an entire community with her story.

Bailey Kay Hutson was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. She has undergone 53 surgeries and spent countless days in hospitals.

Paralyzed from the waist down, she could have chosen to live quietly in the face of hardship. Instead, Hutson chose purpose, perseverance and positivity.

Friends and family say her determination and focus on helping others have defined her far more than her medical history.

One of her major efforts returns this year with Bailey Kay’s Bull Riding, scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Texas Lost Pines Riding Club Arena in Elgin.

“It’s about giving others like me a chance to feel joy, to experience normalcy, and to be surrounded by people who truly understand,” Hutson said. “I want to create a space where families can come together, connect and just enjoy life.”

What began as Hutson’s way to unite her love of rodeo and passion for community aid has evolved into an annual tradition that attracts top-tier bull riders and generous supporters from across Texas and beyond.

Hutson said every dollar raised supports her ultimate dream — creating a retreat for children and adults with disabilities. She envisions a place to escape the daily grind of medical routines and rediscover the joy of simply living.

Each surgery, hospital stay and test of endurance has built the foundation for her vision, according to Hutson. Her mission is deeply personal, rooted in resilience and guided by gratitude.