At the age of 18, a remarkable and heartwarming story began to unfold in November 2022, thanks to WKYT, a story that revolved around a Madison County teenager and his extraordinary connection with a racehorse named Cody’s Wish.
Cody’s Wish was named in honor of the young teenager, Cody, who had been battling a rare genetic disorder that left him nonverbal. Several years prior, Cody and the horse crossed paths following a special Make-A-Wish Day at Keeneland. Cody and his family were graciously invited to Godolphin’s Gainsborough Farm in Versailles, where they first met a beautiful brown colt.
What transpired between Cody and the horse was nothing short of magical. Their connection was so profound that the farm decided to name the horse Cody’s Wish in a touching tribute to the teenager, and that bond only continued to grow stronger over time.
Sadly, Cody’s family announced that, during their journey back to Kentucky over the weekend, Cody suffered a medical event and passed away. This heartbreaking moment followed a weekend in which Cody had the opportunity to witness his best friend, Cody’s Wish, secure a second Breeders’ Cup victory at the Santa Anita track in California.
In a statement released by Cody’s family on Monday, they expressed their profound grief and shared their gratitude for the immense impact Cody had on people throughout his life. Cody’s remarkable resilience and concern for others, even in the face of his own challenges, left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
As a family of faith, they find solace in the belief that Cody has found his way back home. Their hope is that he continues to watch over them, especially his cherished little sister, Kylie. The family is deeply appreciative of all those who have shared in Cody’s journey and the profound joy that his interactions with Cody’s Wish brought him in the last five years. These cherished memories will serve as a source of strength during this unimaginably difficult time.
