2 Hearts - 1 Spirit: Cody Dorman & Cody’s Wish

     Cody Dorman, who defied the grim prognoses of Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, was never expected to live past the age of two, yet he first showed the fight in him when he was five-weeks-old when he survived open-heart surgery after an initial procedure failed. He then survived two strokes and almost 50 surgeries over his 17 years. Confined to a wheelchair and unable to walk, he found that through subtle head movements he was able to communicate on a tablet. 

      It all started in 2018 when Cody met the bay son of Curlin when he was a foal at Godolphin’s Gainsborough Farm in Versailles, KY, as part of a collaboration between Keeneland and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Everyone was concerned about how the visit might go due to the horse’s unfamiliarity with a wheelchair.

     The foal eyed his special visitor and approached slowly. He sniffed around some before burying his head in Cody’s lap. That was the moment that forever changed their lives. The unique and special bond between the young horse and Cody led to the naming of the horse as "Cody’s Wish." Cody drew the same reaction in succeeding visits over the years, and Cody’s Wish never failed to acknowledge the young man’s presence. It's a tribute and recognition of the profound connection and friendship that developed between the boy and the horse.

     Kelly Dorman, Cody's dad, described Cody’s Wish as his son’s “best friend.” He noted a profound difference in the boy after the horse entered their lives. Cody no longer battled depression, and became stronger and more dedicated to his therapy and schoolwork. He celebrated birthdays with his namesake and attended almost every single race Cody’s Wish ran after 2022. Cody even attended his high school prom - which is a true testament to his indomitable spirit and the transformative impact of this extraordinary equine connection.

Their friendship changed each other on a deep level, and their common bond was their determination - determination to survive for Cody Dorman, and determination to win for Cody’s Wish.

     On November 4, 2023, the Dorman Family were at Santa Anita Racetrack in California to watch Cody’s Wish race for a repeat win in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. This would be the final run for Cody’s Wish, and Cody was in the Winner’s Circle to honor his best friend’s win. On his way home the next day, Cody Dorman suffered a medical event on the plane and died at the age of 17. 

     “With Cody’s diagnosis at birth, we always knew this day would come, but we were determined to help Cody live his best life for however long we had him,” his parents said. “Anyone who has seen him at the racetrack, especially around Cody’s Wish, understands that in many ways he taught us all how to live, always keeping a positive attitude and being more concerned about those around him than himself … We have been completely amazed to experience the impact Cody has had on so many people, through the journey that this wondrous racehorse has taken us all on.”

     ‘The Bond: Two Hearts-One Spirit’ has the beating heart of an incredible story - a story of friendship, resilience, and the extraordinary power of a shared bond between a young man and his very special horse. 

     Their story will now live on for the ages through this beautiful monument by artist Jocelyn Russell, and it is our hope that everyone will not only feel their Bond, but experience an incredible Bond of their own.