Our Story

In December 2023, the Archers were eagerly preparing for Christmas. Their two oldest daughters, Kelsea and Kari, were building their adult lives, while their son Kaden had recently returned home from college to recover from a sports injury. After tearing multiple ligaments in his knee, the

once-active soccer player was facing a tough recovery, but his family was grateful to have him home.

“It was a gift from the Lord,” Gina recalls softly. “We had our son back under our roof, spending time with his little sister Kensley, who was twelve at the time. He got to cheer her on at swim meets and just be home with his family.”

That Christmas season was filled with a Nashville family vacation, laughter, games, and togetherness. The family spent Christmas Eve back home cooking, exchanging gifts, and sharing a perfect day of memories. But the next morning, their world changed forever.

“I went to wake Kaden up and found him unresponsive,” Gina shares, her voice steady with the strength of someone who has told this story through tears many times. “God immediately brought to mind 2 Corinthians 5:8—‘To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.’ That verse has carried our family since this moment.”

The Archers later learned that Kaden had died from an accidental overdose. A friend had given him a pill for pain that unknowingly contained fentanyl. That single pill proved fatal.

“It’s something you never think could happen to your child,” Gina says. “But Kaden’s story isn’t defined by how he died. He was a young man of purpose and faith who loved people and loved Jesus. We’re in a spiritual battle every day, and Kaden knew that.”

In the months that followed, the Archers sought healing and purpose. They found both in turning their grief into ministry. Out of their loss, Fight the Good Fight was born—named for the verse Kaden had tattooed on his arm, 1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

The nonprofit’s mission is to encourage and restore youth and families walking through hard seasons. The Archers have dedicated thirteen acres of their property to create a therapeutic retreat—a place where individuals and families can find rest, hope, and healing. Their barn is being transformed into a welcoming gathering space for events, workshops, mentoring and day camp retreats along with adding glamping-style tents, bathrooms and showers, and recreation areas such as fishing from Kaden’s Pier, nature trails, trail-riding and more Gina is actively partnering with like ministries, local mental health professionals, churches, and schools to provide equine therapy, support groups, and community outreach. “Our heart is to help people heal—emotionally, physically, and spiritually,” she says. “The horses are a big part of that...

As Gina reflects on how her family has persevered through unimaginable loss, she smiles. “Kaden’s life continues to impact people. His fingerprints are everywhere—in this land, in this ministry, in our hearts. God is redeeming what was meant for harm and using it for good.”

For the Archers, the mission is clear: to help others find healing in the midst of brokenness. And through Fight the Good Fight, they are doing just that—one story, one soul, and one act of faith at a time. If you would like to support by sponsoring a youth participant or our building preparations as we prepare this designated safe space nestled on 13 acres in Brandon with bathroom/shower house and fencing around property to ensure safety and more room for our therapy animals, please contact us or use the link below Fight the Good Fight, Inc is a nonprofit 501c3 so all donations are tax deductible. You can also book a tour to walk the land, meet the animals and see the potential this vision has to serve and love hurting people.