LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- In 2023, the Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana regional chapter granted more wishes than any other chapter in the country.
While kicking off the Make-A-Wish Gala Saturday night, chapter President and CEO Stephanie McCormick was proud to announce 1,205 wishes had been granted and set a goal, that night, to raise enough funds for 20 more wishes.
The goal was met, in part, thanks to the emotional and inspirational program.
The evening included appearances by wish kids past and present, as well as a speech by Kelly Dorman. Dorman is the father of the late wish kid, Cody Dorman, whose story about his connection with a Kentucky racehorse made national headlines for several years.
Dorman told Cody’s story and said his family’s encounter with Make-A-Wish was life changing.
"A lot of people don’t realize there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make these wishes. The volunteers are incredible people, and they change these kids’ lives," Dorman said.
In 2018, Cody was granted a wish that revolved around a fishing trip and visit to a wildlife museum and aquarium in Missouri.
"That wish was more than a wish," Dorman said. "Cody was 12 at the time and it was the first time we’d actually had a vacation. That wish changed our lives. It taught us what we could do and how we could go about it. I’ll never forget it."
The family’s relationship with Make-A-Wish continued to grow. Though Cody couldn’t speak or walk due to Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, he was able to communicate through a smart tablet. His communication often revolved around his hopes to raise money for other kids to receive wishes.
Dorman said the family received a call to attend a Make-A-Wish event at Keeneland. It was on this trip they met the horse that would later be named Cody’s Wish.
"Cody’s Wish came out of the stall and there was something a little different," Dorman said. "He kept pulling and making his way toward Cody and eventually laid his head in his lap."
The owners had never seen anything like it and were inspired to name the horse in Cody’s honor.
"I said if that horse has half the heart Cody does, he’s going to be something else. I had no idea the next five years were going to play out the way they did," Dorman said.
He said every time Cody and Cody’s Wish met over the next five years, the connection was apparent.
"Without a doubt they spoke to each other," Dorman said. "You could see it plain as day. You couldn’t hear it with your ears, but you could see it with your eyes and feel it with your heart."
According to Dorman, the connection was so strong that one race day, Cody woke up irritable. When asked if he was feeling okay, he expressed frustration that Cody’s Wish wasn’t ready for the race in Tampa and would win second place.
Dorman said his son was right. Cody’s Wish lost by a nose, and he joked, "I never bet against anything he ever said after that."
Cody’s Wish went on to win several first-place finishes including two in the Breeder’s Cup Dirt Mile.
Cody Dorman died on November 5, 2023, a day after he watched the beloved horse run his final race in The Breeder’s Cup.
Dorman said he believes his son’s story and connection served a bigger purpose—to inspire giving and to raise awareness about a greater cause.
"The whole thing with the horse started with a moment like this—at a fundraiser," Dorman said. "I don’t know how much you can give tonight; give your heart that’s all I can ask, but you never know what your next dollar is going to do. I can guarantee the wish that it makes is going to impact some incredible people."
Make-A-Wish raised $232,094 Saturday night, which surpassed the organization’s goal, and is enough to help them grant at least 24 more wishes to area kids.
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