Seven-year old Rachel Mattson of Chillicothe, Illinois has a passion for horses. She has books and movies about horses, pictures of horses, horse toys and often sports horse-adorned clothing. Unlike most girls her age, Rachel was diagnosed at a very young age with aplastic anemia, a rare blood disorder in which the body's bone marrow doesn't make enough new blood cells.

Rachel has undergone a variety of treatments including a recent bone-marrow transplant which will require her to take anti-rejection medicine for the rest of her life. Despite the physical limitations that her illness presents, Rachel has been battling through with a strong spirit.

When presented with the opportunity to receive her heartfelt wish, Rachel chose to attend the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. “When the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Illinois contacted us to assist in granting Rachel’s wish, we were happy to help,” commented Senior Wish Program Manager Darla Chezem. When Rachel’s family received word that she would be able to attend the 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks, the Kentucky Derby and surrounding events, they excitedly packed their bags and headed for Louisville, Kentucky!

During their travel to Churchill Downs, Rachel and her family were escorted by limousine to the track where they toured the stables, met the horses, trainers and jockeys. She posed for pictures and watched the workouts while learning about the grooming that goes into caring for thoroughbred race horses. She was also outfitted with a riding cap, riding goggles, and a bright pink "silks" jacket that the jockeys themselves wear.

While touring the stables, Rachel met Rachel Alexandra (a Kentucky Oaks favorite), her trainer Hal Wiggins and jockey Calvin Borel. Struck by her passion for horses and the shared first names of girl and horse, Hal made a promise that he would invite Rachel into the Winner’s Circle if Rachel Alexandra won the Kentucky Oaks.

As the race began, Rachel and her family watched anxiously, cheering for Rachel Alexandra. The special horse granted Rachel’s wish when she won the Kentucky Oaks! Rachel was escorted to the Winner's Circle to congratulate Rachel Alexandra, her trainer Hal Wiggins and jockey, Calvin Borel. “Rachel’s eyes were as big as saucers,” remarked Chezem. Rachel had her picture taken there with Hal Wiggins and Calvin Borel and to top it off, Rachel received an Alexandra the Great cap along with the bridles worn by Rachel Alexandra from Wiggins!

Rachel loves looking at the photos and souvenirs from her special days at the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. The memories of her wish will provide her with hope, strength and joy in the days to come. “It’s a pleasure to work for the nation’s largest and most professional wish-granting organization. Whatever the wish, we work together to make it possible,” said Chezem.

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