LEXINGTON, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — For 17 years, Make-A-Wish Day at Keeneland has been granting the wishes of children with various health struggles. On Thursday, not only were wishes granted, but the legacy of a young boy continues to inspire others to keep granting these wishes.
It was a day those in attendance would call a memorable day at Keeneland for more than just horse racing. For the past 17 years, Make-A-Wish Day at Keeneland and its sponsors have granted 10 wishes annually to children with critical illnesses.
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The day included the announcement of Big Ass Fans’ inaugural $10,000 donation to the Cody Dorman Legacy Wish Fund and a special wish reveal for one Make-A-Wish child. This happened to be Emily Gibson, whose wish to go to Disney World was granted. Her parents, Lisa and Michael Gibson, are now planning a family Disney trip in November.
“This has just really been a dream come true for us. Getting to go to Disney World with my girls and getting to watch them be there, and the people here have just been incredible. We’re just truly thankful for everything we’ve got to do today,” Lisa said.
“It means a lot. It’s touching quite a bit to more than I was expecting. It’s quite overwhelming to be a part of all of this,” Michael added.
The Cody Dorman Legacy Fund is named after Cody Dorman. Cody had a rare genetic condition that affected his ability to move and speak. Cody passed away in 2023, but not before his wish to meet the horse named ‘Cody’s Wish’ came true. Cody Dorman’s journey with Big Ass Fans began in 2018 when he forged a special relationship with Grade-I-winning American Thoroughbred racehorse Cody’s Wish. Their bond captured hearts across the nation when Cody’s Wish became the first and only two-time consecutive winner of Big Ass Fans’ Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile just before Cody’s passing in November 2023. His father Kelly Dorman spoke at the event.
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“Cody with his connection to Cody’s Wish just shot around the world. I’ve never seen anything like it, and it continues to do so. It just transcended over so many countries and cultures,” Kelly said.
Big Ass Fans CEO Ken Walma said he and his team are ready to take their role a step further, making sure wishes like these continue to come true.
“We love leading and inspiring and driving others. Cody has inspired us, so we took a leadership position in this year’s donation, and we look forward to already taking the leadership position in next year’s donation of $10,000 and look forward to carrying it on, and hopefully it inspires others to do the same,” Walma said.
With every wish granted, Cody’s family said their son is smiling down on everyone, something that pushes everyone to never give up on their wish.
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“It’s just it’s just so special to see how much it means to him. We’re reminded of past and we’re just getting started. I really feel it,” Kelly said.
More information on Make-A-Wish Day at Keeneland can be found here.
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