When Wish Kid Gessa was diagnosed with leukemia three years ago, her family spent a weekend at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort, a 500-acre, all-inclusive family resort where guests can ride among a herd of more than 100 gentle horses, splash in its indoor waterpark, enjoy nightly entertainment, and so much more. 

That weekend, Gessa met two girls her age, and it was the instant kind of connection that feels like destiny. "They ran to each other and hugged like they've known each other forever, and they have been best friends ever since," Gessa’s mom recalled. 

When it came time for Gessa to choose her Wish, it was clear. She wanted to return to Rocking Horse Ranch, back to the place where their story first began, where a chance meeting had given her friendship to lean on through medical journey.  

With the help of Rocking Horse Ranch, Gessa’s vision came to life.  For days, the three friends were inseparable, kayaking across the lake, celebrating Gessa’s birthday with cake and laughter, and spending hours on horseback, riding side by side. Every moment was theirs.  

“We had a wonderful time! We are so grateful to you and the foundation for organizing and granting this vacation for Gessa and her friends. They were inseparable the whole time. We can’t imagine a Wish that Gessa would have enjoyed more,” Gessa’s mom said. 

From the giggles echoing off the water to the gentle stride of horses beneath them, Gessa’s wish became more than a getaway. It was about the friendship that gave Gessa strength through three years of treatment, the community that surrounded her family with hope, and the joy that never dimmed, even in the hardest moments. 

Gessa’s Wish gave her the chance to celebrate at the place where these special friendships began, a reminder of how community and connection can carry us through life’s greatest challenges.   

This wish was made possible by Robert and Franny Nemer.