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“I wish to have a barrel-racing horse.”
Morgan , age 14
Mid-South Chapter

   
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This wish story makes me feel:
 

Morgan had a plan – to ride a horse in barrel races just like her mother, Carol, used to when she was a teen. She first tried it on an old mare, with the promise of getting a real barrel-racing horse in the future.

Then, in 2008, she was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a condition that affects her bone marrow.

Morgan spent the next eight months in and out of the hospital. She was so depressed by the ordeal that it took her awhile to warm up to the idea of having the Make-A-Wish Foundation® grant her wish. She spent most of her time at home, quiet and introverted.

Morgan’s Wish Takes Her Back to Happiness

Finally, and almost reluctantly, Morgan unveiled her wish – to have a barrel horse. It was a wish that took her back to a time before the hospital visits, the treatments, the loneliness, the depression.

Wish granters set out to grant Morgan’s wish. But they were also determined to surprise her. They carefully crafted plans in secret to unveil her wish at a horse show in Memphis. Morgan thought they were just going to the show to help a friend get a horse trailer fixed.

Then, her wish unfolded when the show announcer asked Morgan and her family to come to the middle of the arena. The announcer then announced “Morgan, your wish has come true.”

Generous Teen Offers Horse for Morgan

Morgan then met her new horse and swung into the saddle. According to a horse publication in Tennessee, the 10-year-old mare named Caydo was raised and ridden by a girl Morgan’s age, who is a top barrel racer. The girl was willing to give her horse up for Morgan’s wish, even though she’d ridden the horse since she was just 3 years old.

“There was not a dry eye in the house,” Carol says. “Morgan just kept saying, ‘I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it.’”

In addition to the horse, Morgan received free barrel racing lessons. Now, the family spends most of its weekends at horse shows.

Wish Lifts Health, Restores Spirit

Carol says Morgan’s depression has lifted. She is convinced that Morgan’s condition changed at least in part because of the joy her wish brought her.

Morgan is improving so much that she may not need a bone marrow transplant her doctor had planned. Just as importantly, her spirit and personality are returning.

“She’s gone from 48 pills a day to just two a day,” Carol says. “It’s so awesome how she’s able to ride, and even talk back to me a little bit!”





Inspired Thoughts

  • Make A Wish is such a wonderful organization. I don't know if they will ever truly understand what they do for the kids and the families they involve themselves with. Thank You!
    - amy 08/22/2010 14:02
  • Could you have picked a better wish for you? I say neigh!
    - Elyse 08/21/2010 17:24
  • Hey Morgan, I think your story is truly amazing! I just had wish volunteers come over today, and I wished for a horse! I am so excited that you got your wish, and I know you will have many happy memories by the time this year is done. Congrats!
    - Rebekah 09/05/2010 17:12
  • This is truly a fantastic wish. All animals, but horses especially, really give back to those who spend time with them. Barrel racing is an awesome event, and I hope Morgan does well! Turn n burn cowgirl!
    - payton 08/31/2010 12:51
  • Morgan, your story touched my heart! My girls love to ride horses and barrell race and one of them is your age! Animals have amazing affects on your health! Good Luck and May GOD Bless you and your family!!
    - Kari Cooper 09/20/2010 17:03
  • THAT WAS SUCH A GREAT STORY ABOUT YOUR WISH BEING GRANTED IT BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES. YOU ARE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD WHO ARE SO GENEROUS. I HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO BE IN GOOD HEALTH AND FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS.
    - KATIE 09/20/2010 16:46
  • I think its really cool that you like horses. My cousin rides horses. I hope that you have a really fun time with your horse, i hope your feeling good and have a fun life! :))))))
    - Matt Triplett & Joseph ;) 09/24/2010 7:17
  • im not a horse lover well actually im scared of horses but i think its great that such a generous person would give up that horse for that girl this really thouches my heart
    - random person 10/12/2010 19:29
  • My eyes wet reading your story. I am so glad how the horse effected your treatment plan and overall wellness. My 9 yr daughter got her visit last week. As much as she wishs a horse since 3, she cannot be exposed to animals or barn enviornment due to immune system suppression. We agreed on a paleotologiest experience as that is her dream job.
    - Lin 10/13/2010 14:39
  • They say animals sooth the soul. I believe that. It shows there are people out there that also have a big heart. Good luck with your new horse Morgan.
    - Susan 10/27/2010 4:58
  • Horses are powerful creatures! How neat for Morgan that she and her family were able to witness the maricle a horse's presense can bring. I personally know that horses are my way through many things! Best of Luck in the future!
    - Jenny 11/23/2010 18:14
  • Hey Morgan!! I think it is awesome that you finally had your wish come true. I am a professional barrel racer that is setting my goals to run at the IFR (International Finals Rodeo) with the IPRA (International Professional Rodeo Association). I want to commend the little girl who gave you her horse, that was so awesome to hear. I hope that you are getting better & hopefully I'll meet you one day. :)
    - Nina 12/09/2010 22:14
  • Dear Morgan, I understand the healing powers of horses. Last year, I was diagnosed with liver cancer at the age of 16. Before I was sick, I was in the process of buying a new show horse. My parents surprised me by getting me the horse of my dreams. My health and happiness immediately improved with my new equine pal. My Wish last year was to go to AQHA Worlds, but unfortunately I was unable to go because my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I know how horses can sense that you need that extra push to get through the day and they never cease to fail to give it. God Bless, Morgan, and may all your rides be great ones. Sincerely, Erin
    - Erin 01/11/2011 14:37
  • im glad u all wrote ur thoughts. I would have wrote this earlier but I've been busy with Kaydo. We r doin great shes my best friend now we win alot of events. just thought I'd write this. BYE!
    - morgan 04/16/2011 15:56
  • This is wonderful! I am so glad you got a horse! barrel racing is so much fun! I have cystic fibrosis and got my wish granted for a horse back in 2008. But on christmas day he passed away from colic =,( I then was able to get my friends horse who also has CF. But it is so awesome that make a wish is part of this world. THANK YOU SO MUCH! God bless all!
    - Alexis 04/18/2011 9:45

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