Early in the summer of 2022, Kailey Paul’s life turned upside down. Whilst preparing for a horse show in her hometown Albany, New York, she started experiencing headaches and neck pain. A trip to the pediatrician, and an MRI arrived at a diagnosis that left the family reeling.
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Recently, during a family vacation at the Lake Placid Horse Show, 14-year-old Kailey Paul experienced an unexpected surprise. Her parents had secretly planned to fulfill her long-time dream with the help of the Make-A-Wish foundation. As an aspiring equestrian, Kailey’s wish came true, showcasing the organization’s commitment to bringing joy and hope to children facing critical illnesses.
Kailey’s equestrian dream became a reality
According to The Sun, 14-year-old Kailey Paul’s dream of having her own equestrian riding equipment came true in a remarkable way. Paul has been passionate about horses since an early age, as she humorously stated, “My mom says I came out of the womb saying ‘horse’.” As she and her family visited the Lake Placid Horse Show, they were surprised by Scott Liloia, the Senior Manager of Wish Granting for Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. Liloia was accompanied by Charles Ancona, the renowned equestrian-wear designer. Kailey was informed that she would receive a custom jacket fitting with Ancona himself.
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Overjoyed and in disbelief, she exclaimed, “I always dreamed of this but I never thought it would actually happen. This is just amazing. I am still in shock.” Kailey, who recently completed her treatments for a brain tumor, credits horseback riding for providing relaxation and solace throughout her journey. Make-A-Wish also added special experiences to Kailey’s wish, including a stay at the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, behind-the-scenes tours, Lake Placid Horse Show merchandise, a riding lesson, and the chance to meet her idol, accomplished hunter-rider John French. Kailey Paul’s spirit and resilience have carried her through the challenges of her teenage years, horseback riding competitions, and a sudden battle with brain cancer.
Kailey faced cancer head-on and triumphed bravely
Diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, Kailey faced the tribulations head-on. On taking a trip to the pediatrician doctors discovered a brain tumor requiring immediate attention. After considering her options, Kailey opted for proton therapy at the New York Proton Center.
With the guidance of Dr. Shaakir Hasan, an expert in pediatric malignancies, Kailey embarked on proton therapy, which targeted her tumor precisely with minimal side effects. Unlike traditional radiation, proton therapy spared the delicate anatomy surrounding the tumor. Remarkably, Kailey completed the 30 proton treatments without experiencing any adverse effects. She also continued to compete in horse shows throughout her therapy.
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Edited by
Anupama Ghosh