Pazlee, from Powell, is brave, tough, and strong – all fitting qualities for a true cowgirl. As a former Rodeo Princess, Pazlee loves all things horses and rodeo but like any 16-year-old girl, she also finds joy in music, her dogs, watersports, and spending time with friends. Unlike many 16-year-olds though, her journey has been anything but easy.  

In July 2023, Pazlee began experiencing pain in her arm. After visiting numerous local doctors and not receiving an answer, Pazlee was referred to Denver Children’s Hospital where she was diagnosed with MPST, a very rare form of cancer. Though chemo and radiation would slow down the growth of the tumor near her spine, it would not eradicate it, and doctors would need to act quickly to avoid paralysis. Pazlee received chemo and radiation for nearly seven months in 2024 to slow the growth of the tumor, but surgery would prove to be inevitable.  

“The only way to get rid of the tumor was through surgery which was risky due to the size and location of the tumor near her spine. Nobody would perform the surgery until I found doctors at Philadelphia Children’s Hospital eager to get Pazlee cancer-free,” says Pazlee’s mom, Cassi.

Between starting treatment and learning if the operation to remove her tumor would be possible, Pazlee was referred to Make-A-Wish Wyoming. While she tossed around the idea of a trip to somewhere exotic, Pazlee leaned into her passion for barrel racing and ultimately wished for a horse. Knowing she would soon have surgery and a horse of her very own gave Pazlee hope and kept her focused on a successful recovery.

“The phone call confirming that surgeons were going to attempt surgery gave Pazlee so much hope for her future. So instead of a trip, she wished for a barrel horse that she could compete with, because she loves rodeo and she felt like she had a future ahead of her now,” says Cassi.

Pazlee has been serious about rodeo for the past four years, competing in several local rodeos in the Basin, Wyoming area. She was even named Rodeo Princess in Lovell, Wyoming. In a time when she needed it most, Make-A-Wish Wyoming granted her “Buster,” an 11-year-old, 1D to 2D competitive barrel horse. After welcoming him home in October 2024, Pazlee and Buster formed an instant bond. Before leaving for Philadelphia for her surgery, she got a full month to ride and get to know Buster, creating that special horse-and-rider relationship. Following Pazlee’s two 13-hour surgeries, which resulted in the successful removal of the entire tumor, she’s had time to plan her participation in the Cody and Big Horn Basin rodeos this summer. Pazlee is even considering competing in college rodeo with Buster.

Pazlee’s barrel racing career depends greatly on her and Buster’s relationship. While her surgeries were incredibly successful, she still lost most function in one of her arms, which means she is going to have to learn everything one-handed – including riding. Luckily, Buster is the perfect fit for her because he is trained to respond to leg cues and commands. However, doctors are hopeful to get function back into Pazlee’s arm through another surgery, which she and her family are hopeful to hear about in the coming weeks.

Beyond being a trained, competitive barrel racing horse, Buster has a great personality; he quite literally gives Pazlee hugs. She and her family believe Make-A-Wish Wyoming found the perfect horse for her. In addition, his previous owner is a young woman who keeps in touch with Pazlee and has been a cheerleader for her throughout her journey.

“This wish has been such a blessing. Pazlee was feeling quite down, as anyone could imagine after a cancer diagnosis, but after her wish was granted, a spark came back into her. I could visually see it. Buster keeps her motivated and working towards her goals constantly. Even in the hospital during her surgeries, she was planning out how she was going to build back her strength and talking about all the plans she has for her and Buster,” says Cassi.

Several kids around Wyoming are waiting for their wish to bring them the hope and strength they need while battling critical illnesses. You can help make an impact in a child’s life, like the one Buster made in Pazlee’s, by getting involved at wish.org/Wyoming.