Make-A-Wish grants West Sand Lake girl’s wish at horse show

A girl from West Sand Lake got a major wish granted this weekend after overcoming a tough battle.

14-year-old Kailey Paul from West Sand Lake, New York has been an avid horse rider ever since her early days.

“I started when I was 4 years old. My mom claims I came out of the womb saying ‘Horse’,” Kailey said.

“Then I had to give her pony riding lessons at 5. And then she started showing between ages 6 and 7,” Kailey’s mom Donna said.
But in August of last year, Kailey’s horse riding was put on hold due to developing health concerns.
“We discovered that she had a brain tumor just with an MRI because she wasn’t feeling well, and she was supposed to horse show that weekend,” Donna said. “They told us that she had the brain tumor and that she was going to need surgery 24 hours later.”
Kailey stayed at Albany Medical Center for an entire week after the surgery.
That followed with months of chemotherapy.

Through Albany Med’s partnership with Make A Wish Northeast, came someone who knew how to give Kailey a proper wish.

“I was lucky enough to be assigned to be Kailey’s wish and to meet with her and her family and hear all about what she’s hoping for, for her wish experience,” wish manager Scott Liloia said.
And the wish came true – Friday morning at the horse show in Lake Placid – when Kailey got the ultimate surprise: a custom jacket fitting through Charles Ancona, a fashion designer – known in equestrian circles for his performance apparel.

“I talked to Charles Ancona. I talked to him about Kailey and her wish, and he was so excited,” Liloia said.
Kailey is in remission now – and ready to ride once again.
And when she gets back on the horse she’ll have new gear to show off

“I’m literally speechless. This is so amazing. I’m blessed,” Kailey said.

As part of the surprise Kailey also got some extra Lake Placid horse show merchandise and a two night stay at the Mirror Lake Inn with her family.