LYNN — For former Daily Item news and sports editor Paul Halloran, Lynn has always been a special place. Once his new book, “Cody’s Wish: A Boy, a Racehorse, and a Fight for Life,” hit shelves in May, Halloran knew he wanted to share it with those who know him best.
The book is about a boy named Cody Dorman, who was born with the rare genetic disorder Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, as well as the horse, Cody’s Wish, who became his best friend after an instant connection between the two.
After book discussions and signings in Kentucky and Saratoga Springs, NY, Halloran spoke to more than 50 people at the Lynn Museum and Arts Center Wednesday evening.
“It meant a lot to do something here,” said Halloran, who has worked in Lynn for 41 years. “It was natural to kick off with Kentucky because that’s where the story is based, and I had an opportunity in Saratoga on Belmont Stakes weekend that I couldn’t turn down, but I wanted to do something here. I’m really thankful for the number of people who showed up.”
With desserts and plenty of book copies on hand, Halloran spoke about his journey and motivation.
“There were a lot of moments that affected me throughout the process. I would do weekly Sunday night Zooms with his parents (Leslie and Kelly) to get the backstory,” he said. “As they were telling me . . . I would invariably get off the Zoom and go to my wife, Julie, saying, ‘You can’t believe this story.’”
Lynn Mayor Jared C. Nicholson admitted he’s not too familiar with the horse racing world, but knew Cody’s story was one to tell.
“Some stories start as a sports story and become human stories, and I think this is clearly one of them,” Nicholson said. “It’s such a powerful story and really amazing to be able to hear it directly from such an incredible storyteller.”
Nelson Woodfork, a longtime friend, said Halloran was the best person to tell Cody’s story.
“As with anything associated with Paul, it is always well done. He has a way with words and putting things together,” Woodfork said. “I heard about this story a while ago and it makes all the sense in the world for Paul to write it.”
When asked what he wants readers to take from the book, Halloran pointed to “hope.
“His parents had a really tough go, as I documented, and Cody had a really tough go. Now, all of a sudden, a horse comes into their life and it kind of turns everything around,” Halloran said. “I’m a special needs parent. We’re not all going to have a world champion horse named for our kid, but I think any parent in that world — where there are a lot of dark days — can look at this story and say, ‘positive things do happen.’”
Wrapping up the event were Kelly and Leslie, who appeared on Zoom to say a few words to the audience.
“We brought Paul into our life and he created a masterpiece of Cody’s life,” Kelly said. “I still don’t know the correct words to do this justice. We’re just blessed.”
“Paul did a fantastic job and we’re grateful for him and his family,” Leslie said. “We’re excited that the story has gotten out.”
Among those in attendance were Nicholson, Sen. Brendan Crighton, Rep. Sean Reid, and Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools Dr. Molly Cohen.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
