Dreams came true at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in more ways than one! In all the excitement of the 2025 International Brahman Show, the most inspiring was to be part of the “Make a Wish” for Brady Barton, a 17-year-old high school senior and cancer survivor.
Brady’s wish was to own a Brahman heifer, and thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – this wish came true!
“Congratulations, she’s yours.”
About three weeks before the Houston show, we were contacted about being part of this special and inspiring event. Of course, we said yes!! On Thursday of the heifer show, Brady and his family travelled to the Brahman show, thinking they were just going for a family fun day at the rodeo.
First, Brady was invited to judge alongside judge Chris Mullinix in placing a class of red Brahman heifers. As the class ended, BRC Glitterati 435 made her way into the show ring, and the judge made the exciting announcement that Glitterati was Brady’s!
Overcoming the Odds
Brady’s journey to this moment was not an easy one. At just 15 years old, what seemed like a routine appendectomy led to the shocking discovery that he had lymphoma. The aggressive nature of the disease required immediate treatment, turning his teenage years into a battle for his health.
Despite the challenges, Brady fought through and is now cancer-free. With a renewed outlook on life, he is eager to return to his passion—raising cattle.
A Perfect Match
Brady’s wish was unique, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation knew exactly who to call. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is so much more than a livestock show or rodeo. It is an organization that exists to help others – through scholarships and opportunities galore. When Houston called us, Glitterati was the obvious choice, because she too has a special connection to the Houston Livestock Show. Her mother, BRC Sweetie 486/8 was the Grand Champion Brahman Female at the Houston show in 2019. Her sister, BRC Lady Glitter Sparkle 115 was the Grand Champion Brahman Female in 2022. Glitterati was a class winner at the 2024 Texas Junior Brahman Show herself. With her kind disposition that comes from the Sweetie bloodline – Glitterati was the perfect match. We couldn’t have been more delighted to give this outstanding young man the heifer to be the foundation of his herd. After all, it was a gift from Sloan Williams that started Rachel’s herd back in 1980 – and a gift from Jeff Smith that gave us the 21 bloodline. All throughout our life, people have helped us, and we wanted to pay it forward.
Watch the Full Story
Brady’s inspiring journey and the special moment he received his Brahman heifer were captured by KHOU News in Houston. Watch the full video and experience the heartwarming moment here: KHOU News Coverage.
A Future Full of Possibilities
Brady’s story is a reminder that the agricultural community is filled with generosity, resilience, and passion. As he continues his journey with his new Brahman heifer, we are excited to see what the future holds for this inspiring young man.
