45 MOONEE VALLEY RACING CLUB 44 Bridgette, 13, diagnosed with an Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumour, wished for a horse to learn to ride again. Horse-obsessed and with a love to ride that’s been put on hold for more than a year, Bridgette has wished for a beautiful, gentle horse so that she can learn to ride again. Late in May 2021, after experiencing worrying symptoms and then an MRI and brain surgery, Bridgette was diagnosed with an Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumour (ATRT), a very aggressive tumour of the central nervous system in her left frontal lobe. Two surgeries, and over a year of chemo and radiotherapy with more to come, has meant that Bridgette’s walking and muscle strength declined rapidly, resulting in her requiring a wheelchair. During her treatment, Make-A-Wish volunteers met with Bridgette to capture her wish. When asked why she had wished for her dream horse, Bridgette’s response was clear – her whole face lit up as she squealed in delight, “I can’t stop smiling whenever I think about it!” The Wish Team set the wheels in motion to find Bridgette her ideal horse - a Gypsy Cob - based on one she had seen online. Bridgette’s mum, Kristie, said the Make-A-Wish experience had given Bridgette a distraction from her treatment and something to look forward to. “When she wasn’t feeling great in hospital, we would research for a new horse together for hours, taking our minds off everything.” Now, Bridgette and her family have something positive to look forward to with the arrival of her beautiful Gypsy Cob, whom she has already named Prada. Each year, thousands of Australian children are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Wishes bring hope, joy and positivity to sick kids and their families, and create a lasting impact. With more than 800 kids like Bridgette on their wish journey, every dollar raised helps create more wishes, which is why the support of communities and partners like the Moonee Valley Racing Club is so important. CHARITY PIN The MVRC is proud to have Make-AWish Australia as our Cox Plate Carnival Charity Pin Partner. You can purchase a Pin for $10 on course or from our online store. MAKE-A-WISH® AUSTRALIA Bridget te’s St ory
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