I wish to go to Breyer Fest
Ella
10
respiratory disorder
How Ella’s Passion Became Her Make-A-Wish
If you were to peek into wish kid Ella’s bedroom, you would see a menagerie of horse figurines proudly on display. They adorn the shelves, fill boxes and bins, and take up residence in her closet.
All told, she has more than 100 Breyer Horses -- model horse figurines known for their realistic and life-like designs, often inspired by real competition champions.
When Ella was young, her mom introduced her to a beloved part of her own childhood, a love for Breyer Horses. So, when Ella qualified for a wish due to a respiratory disorder, she knew exactly what she wanted. She wished to go to Lexington, Kentucky to attend BreyerFest, an annual three-day celebration of all things horses.
With Make‑A‑Wish’s support in ensuring safe and accessible travel for children with complex medical needs, Ella and her family were able to journey from Washington to Kentucky with confidence. For the first time, they could embrace this new experience together and create moments of happiness that they will remember forever.
From meeting the real-life horses that inspire Breyer models, to late-night tradeshows and hands-on workshops, Breyerfest is every horse-lover's dream come true. But for wish kid Ella, the best part was being welcomed into a community of people with shared passions and interests.
“It became more than just a Make-A-Wish thing. This community came together and everybody wanted to do something to make this special for her [Ella].”
Shared wish mom, Melissa.
The local collectors welcomed Ella to the community with open arms, going above and beyond to make her wish extra special. Even beyond the BreyerFest Festival, Ella and her family made connections to the Breyer community that have continued as they have remained in contact with local collectors.
More than just a memorable vacation, Ella’s wish opened the door to a new world of belonging, discovery, and shared joy — not just for her, but for her entire family.
“If a kid has a make a wish… it can make them happier,” said Ella. "Your support lets them see the light that they don't have back at home.”
Special thanks to everyone who made Ella’s wish come true including Make-A-Wish Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, the Breyerfest Community, and wish-granting volunteers Jessica and Christine.