Equestrian Team Helps Make Wish Come True
11/19/2007 12:00:00 AM | Equestrian
Nov. 19, 2007
WACO, Texas - Baylor's equestrian team played a part in making a Waco girl's dream come true on Sunday. During a break in the competition of Baylor's equestrian meet with Oklahoma State at the Willis Family Equestrian Center, 7-year-old Taylor Darling received a pony from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In addition, Taylor was named an honorary member of the Baylor equestrian team.
Taylor, who had wished for a pony, was surprised when the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted her wish and presented her with a 6-year-old black quarter pony horse which Taylor named "Fudge."
Organizers had asked Taylor to be the "honorary carrot-feeder" that day, a tradition at Baylor equestrian contests. However, she didn't know the horse she was feeding was her own.
Taylor was diagnosed with cancer in January 2006, suffering from advanced-stage Wilms' tumor on her kidney which had spread to her lungs. After undergoing treatment, Taylor is now in remission.
"It was so heartwarming to see Taylor's face when she realized that her wish had come true. The Baylor equestrian program was thrilled to participate in the event," said head coach Ellen White.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
