Home on the Range

Complimentary ranch stays for children with cancer and the families who love them.

When one person in a family is hurting, everyone feels it. Home on the Range gives the whole family a place to rest, reconnect and experience some happiness together among the animals and natural beauty of Rancho Grande.

Home on the Range offers restorative stays at no cost to families whose child is undergoing active cancer treatment. Rancho Grande is a private 200-acre off-grid guest ranch and animal sanctuary in the Ojai mountains, surrounded by Los Padres National Forest. A short break cannot change a diagnosis, but it can give a family room to breathe, laugh and spend time together away from hospitals and daily treatment routines.

A young boy sitting on the ground, smiling and holding a small animal, possibly a guinea pig, while wearing a white cowboy hat and red sneakers.

Participating families stay in the two-bedroom Cowboy Cabin, with a full kitchen, comfortable living space and ranch animals wandering nearby. The cabin places families in the center of ranch life while still providing privacy and a peaceful place to rest.

Families may meet Albert the camel, feed friendly animals, fish or paddle on the pond, ride electric mountain bikes, explore the ranch, play games in the Rock Room or simply watch the sunset in the mountain air. Family dogs are welcome with advance notice. Every family can choose the pace and activities that feel right for them.

Two children feeding Albert the camel while a large ranch dog sits nearby at the Rancho Grande animal sanctuary.
Children and an adult fishing in a creek, with a dog near the water and lush greenery in the background.

The program is intended for children currently receiving chemotherapy or another form of active cancer treatment. We require a recommendation from the child’s treating physician or oncology team confirming that a short ranch visit is medically appropriate. This helps protect the child’s safety and ensures the care team supports the trip.

A young boy riding a light brown horse with a white stripe on its face, with a woman in a plaid shirt and cowboy hat standing nearby. In the background, two other children ride horses and adults stand nearby, with leafless trees and hills surrounding the scene.

We believe children facing serious illness still deserve moments of discovery, freedom and uncomplicated joy. Our purpose is to give the entire family a few days together in a setting that feels far removed from medical routines.

How to Apply

Families, hospitals and nonprofit organizations supporting children in active cancer treatment are welcome to contact us. Please email Richard Murad at gm@ranchogrande.com to discuss eligibility, available dates and any accommodations the family may need.