Make-A-Wish Stories - Adventure

I wish to go to Sanibel Island and look for seashells.

Fri, 08 May 2009 18:33:11 GMT

Since the moment Grayson was born, he�s been fighting for his life. Diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) at birth, he had his first open-heart surgery at 11 days.

Grayson�s parents didn�t know what was wrong at first, only that he was experiencing multiple-organ failure. His illness has required surgery after surgery. Grayson�s mom, Carrie, said it�s extremely hard on the family. So it seemed like a miracle when Grayson received a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Wisconsin.

Beach dreams

When wish granters interviewed Grayson, he said he wanted to fly on an airplane and see the "big water.� They realized he wanted to go look for seashells, sea turtles and dolphins. Grayson had seen pictures of Sanibel Island, Fla., and was mesmerized. It seemed almost too much to hope for, amid all the grueling treatments and surgeries, tests and hospital visits.

When Grayson found out his wish would come true, he looked at his four older siblings and said, �I'm takin' you to Sanibel!�

�It was just about the proudest that I've ever seen a 4-year-old boy,� Carrie said. �Our trip gave our family a chance to spend time to relax and reconnect. It was the first time we felt Grayson was healthy enough for travel, so it was our first true family vacation.�

Grayson was amazed at the shell-covered beach. He walked up to total strangers, asking each one, �So...what's your wish?�

�Just being a kid�

They went to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, where they enjoyed a

Grayson takes a short break from collecting sea shells.

private �Shell Walk� that helped Grayson find some of the best shells on the island. The museum presented Grayson with gifts, including a stuffed squid and shell books. Volunteers escorted the family to the beach as they searched for seashells with the experts. As an added bonus, a Sanibel police officer rode by on his beach motorcycle and invited Grayson to hop on, then presented him with a junior deputy badge.

His parents loved watching the kids playing and spending time together as a worry-free family and Grayson enjoying himself just being a kid. It was a joyful break from the knowledge that Grayson�s heart will never be fixed. �We still live with the daily concern that his heart will start to fail, and he will need a transplant,� Carrie said.

Carrie maintains a Web site about Grayson�s progress for family and friends; it also features photos of the family trip to Sanibel Island. A heart transplant may be in Grayson�s future. But for now, he learned beautiful places are only a wish away. Precious memories of one such place give Grayson and his family a measure of hope, strength and joy.

I wish to go to Hawaii.

Fri, 01 May 2009 20:57:47 GMT

Wendy�s parents knew something was amiss when she began feeling tired and listless. A bright little girl who loved to read, draw and watch cooking shows, Wendy underwent tests that ultimately confirmed her doctor�s suspicions: She had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common type of childhood cancer.

Throughout a course of chemotherapy and other treatments during the better part of a year, Wendy dreamed of a trip to Hawaii. Thanks to her wish granters and sponsors, the day finally arrived when her fondest wish came true.

Wendy�s journey began with a limousine ride and a flight to paradise. She and her family stayed at accommodations offering the sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean. They relaxed and swam in the ocean, and Wendy drew flowers and painted sunsets. They went whale watching and snorkeling and took part in an authentic Hawaiian luau.

When they returned home, Wendy not only had collected many amazing memories, she had pictures she had painted that captured scenes from her joyful vacation.

A wish experience such as Wendy�s can be a crucial part of the healing process for children as well as the entire family. �For many children, the joy of a wish granted represents a dream come true,� said Wendy�s oncologist, Dr. Kenneth DeSantes. �It offers the family an opportunity to experience something extraordinary and provides wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.�

I wish to go to the Grand Canyon.

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:56:38 GMT

Michael's Grand Canyon experience included a thrilling helicopter ride.

Perhaps it was the time of year � winter in Buffalo, N.Y. � that gave Michael the inspiration for his wish.

It was December 2007, and Michael had just completed 42 weeks of chemotherapy. He�d been diagnosed with Ewing�s sarcoma, a soft-tissue cancer, the previous January. In addition to the chemo, he had endured two surgeries on his leg.

The warm and sunny Southwest sounded pretty good to him.

Wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation� had contacted his family, and Michael took his time, carefully considering ideas before announcing his wish: a family vacation at the Grand Canyon.

Michael�s mother, Cindy, was surprised. �He�d never mentioned anything about the Grand Canyon, but the more we thought about it, the better it sounded!� she said.

The canyon is one of the world�s premier natural wonders and one of the first designated U.S. national parks. The only holdout was Michael�s older sister, who thought the whole thing sounded �boring.�

It turned out to be anything but boring.

Wish granters pulled out all the stops to grant Michael�s wish and coordinate a fun and memorable vacation for the family, who had endured a grueling year helping Michael get through his ordeal. The family � Michael, his parents and sisters � flew to Arizona for a weeklong holiday full of surprises. They were given a warm welcome at the park�s Maswik Lodge, just a quarter-mile from the canyon�s South Rim.

�We had a helicopter tour of the Canyon, and later we flew in a small plane,� Cindy recalled. �Then we went on a jeep tour of the Navajo reservation, where we saw some ancient ruins. It was fascinating!� At an Indian marketplace Michael bought a Navajo flute, which he treasures.

The highlight for Michael was a 15-mile river raft float, starting from the base of Glen Canyon Dam and passing through spectacular scenery, including the world-famous Horseshoe Bend, finally ending at Lee�s Ferry. Michael was impressed when he spotted not one but seven rare California condors � the largest flying birds in North America, with a wingspan of 10 feet.

�We stopped for lunch, setting up a camp on the beach with tarps overhead for shade,� said his mom. �Michael had the time of his life! He really hit it off with our tour guide, Corey. All the kids went swimming in the 42-degree Colorado River, if you can believe that � Brrrr!�

Everywhere they went, Michael wore his special hat that invited people to �Ask Me About My Wish!� And people did.

Michael and his family have since become devoted Make-A-Wish� advocates. Cindy was overwhelmed by the generosity and warmth of so many people who worked to help share the power of a wish� with her son and family. When the holidays arrived this past year, the family saw the Macy�s nostalgic Believe campaign and decided to help. �We saw that this could be a way to say �thanks� and to help other children receive their wishes,� Cindy said.

Cindy contacted people at local elementary and middle schools (the family by then had moved to Syracuse) and also Michael�s former school in Buffalo. They told a family friend who is a schoolteacher in Rochester, and she launched a letter-writing project at her school. All told, Michael�s family inspired the collection of more than 1,000 letters for the Macy�s Believe campaign, which ultimately generated $1 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

�We were amazed at how easy it was to get people to help,� Cindy said. �All we had to do was ask. � The response was immediate and overwhelming.�

I wish to visit Paris and eat at a fancy restaurant.

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:26:46 GMT

Vava�s wish was the 1,000th granted by Jewelers for Children, a nonprofit organization created by the jewelry industry to raise money for children�s charities. Since 1999, JFC has helped the Make-A-Wish Foundation share the power of a wish� by contributing funds to grant the wishes of children such as Vava nationwide.

For 13-year-old Vava, the real star of the Disney movie Ratatouille wasn�t the rat-turned-chef who rescues a fading Parisian restaurant � it was the sparkling image animators created for the City of Lights.

Vava, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin�s lymphoma, was so inspired by the city�s animated beauty that she was determined to see it for herself � and sample the famous French culinary flair. She asked volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation to send her to Paris for a meal at a first-class restaurant. Wish granters crafted an itinerary for her first transatlantic flight from Seattle, which included a stay at the heart of the city, trips to museums and a glimpse of the countryside.

Photography fan Vava turns her lens on the Eiffel Tower.

When she landed in Paris with her family, Vava was surprised by how closely the real Paris resembled its animated counterpart. Though she�s used to city life, Paris offered a new dimension in crowds and culture.

�They�re very different,� Vava said, comparing her home city to Paris. �Both are very busy, but Paris has more beautiful architecture.�

Vava spent her first several days sightseeing. Her family stayed at Hotel du Danube, right in the heart of the city. They enjoyed visiting famous museums and monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame.

Vava inspects cuisine from the kitchen of the Plaza Ath�n�e Restaurant.

Wish granters had arranged for an incredible four-hour, multi-course tasting at the Plaza Ath�n�e Restaurant, which is run by Alain Ducasse. The acclaimed chef is the first person to own restaurants carrying three Michelin stars in three cities. Vava sat at the chef�s personal tasting table. She rated the dessert courses as her favorite.

Before heading back to Seattle, the family took the subway to Versailles. There, Vava enjoyed her favorite moment of her wish trip: a relaxing lunch overlooking a canal.

The trip itself was wonderful, Vava said, but looking forward to it was just as important. She would often ask her nurse to talk about the wish while she was going through radiation treatment. She could hear the nurse�s voice on the intercom describing Paris, which took her mind off the treatment.

Vava, who was declared cancer-free by doctors shortly before her wish, believes wish kids need to think hard about choosing their one true wish. And she couldn�t be happier about her choice, which gave her a multitude of unforgettable memories.

�Travel will always be a great memory,� she said.

By Justin Schmid

I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort.

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:53:31 GMT

Even before Emily left for her wish to meet Cinderella at Walt Disney World� Resort, the experience had made a change in her. It turned back the clock and made her more like the cheerful, curly-haired child she was before being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia before her second birthday.

Though Emily was in remission within a matter of months, the cancer took its toll. The frequent treatments and medications made her hungry, irritable and listless. She often stared blankly at the television. Her entire family sadly watched her appearance change as her hair fell out. But then doctors cleared her to leave the hospital after an intense round of chemotherapy.

Emily plays in the water at The Magic Kingdom.

And things began to change as she looked forward to a winter visit from Make-A-Wish� volunteers. When the wish granters arrived, her family was worried she would be too shy to tell them her one true wish. But they were in for a surprise: Emily greeted the wish granters at the door wearing a princess dress and a crown. And said she wanted to visit the iconic Cinderella Castle with her parents and grandparents.

�From the moment Emily met her wish granters, she was full of excitement,� recalls Linda Flynn, Emily�s grandmother.

The wish granters arranged for Emily to visit the park to celebrate her third birthday. She had her own suite at Give Kids the World Village, an amazing resort that caters to the families of children with life-threatening medical conditions. She had a special lunch with Cinderella and enjoyed an unforgettable dinner with Prince Charming. Emily played the part just right, kicking off her shoe so the prince could put it back on her foot.

Throughout their stay, Emily and her family also enjoyed visits to other area theme parks. She met every character she wanted to meet and never had to stand in line for a ride.

Emily had the time of her life, but each day meant just as much to Linda. For her, it was a respite from months of worry and uncertainty.

�Truly, the Make-A-Wish Foundation helped us all reclaim our lives before Emily was diagnosed, even if it was for a week � a week which we all needed desperately,� she said.

More than a year later, Emily is finished with her treatments and her prognosis is good. And the Make-A-Wish Foundation is still part of her life, inviting her to participate in events and to drop by any time she likes.

Thanks to Disney�s support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, wish families enjoy tickets to Walt Disney World, special visits from Disney characters and many other magical surprises.

By Justin Schmid

I wish to go to Australia.

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:38:49 GMT

When 18-year-old Noah made his wish, his family wasn�t sure they heard him right. Because he�s a sports fan, everyone figured he�d want to see a World Series game or meet his beloved New York Jets.

But instead of prime seats at Giants Stadium, Noah wished for seats onboard a Qantas flight bound for Sydney, Australia. His parents and older brother joined him for a two-week adventure Down Under.

�I thought I was hallucinating,� recalls his mother, Sandy.

In retrospect, though, it all makes sense: Noah was a torchbearer for the 2000 Paralympics, held in Sydney,

Noah checks out Telstra Stadium in Sydney, one of the venues for the 2000 Summer Olympics.

when the flame traveled through the United States. And a chance encounter with Jets kicker Ben Graham, a former Australian Football League star, made Noah curious about Australia.

It was also the first time flying for Noah, who was born prematurely and was diagnosed with a life-threatening form of cerebral palsy. The first leg of his trip was five hours to Los Angeles, followed by another 15 hours to Sydney.

�The plane ride was exhausting!� Noah says, but credits the crew for making it as comfortable for him as possible.

Once they arrived, Noah was already eager to sight-see. He led his family to landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, the famous Manly and Bondi beaches and the Harbor Bridge. He also visited Telstra Stadium, the eventual destination for the torch he carried in 2000.

The family managed to get away from the Sydney sprawl and into the Blue Mountains region just west of the metro area. Near the rural town of Katoomba, Noah got a glimpse of the famous Three Sisters rock formation during a perfectly clear day.

A resident of the Featherdale Wildlife Park hops into action to greet Noah.

Noah�s trip to the Featherdale Wildlife Park gave him a true taste of Australia � and gave some of the local wildlife a taste of him. The park is filled with native fauna roaming about uncaged. One brave young kangaroo bounded up to Noah�s wheelchair and gave a curious nibble on his shoe, a memory that still makes him laugh months later.

The warm, easygoing Australian culture taught Noah quite a bit � as a New Yorker, he�s used to a relentless pace. He also appreciated that wheelchair access was common, making it easier for him to think about his next destination rather than worrying about getting around. With help from his mother, he kept a journal of everything he did.

�Make-A-Wish really gave us a chance to explore different opportunities,� Noah says.

Sandy notices that the trip has changed Noah. He�s always been active and determined to not let his serious medical condition stifle him. But going abroad has sparked a curiosity about everything around him.

�It opened a lot of him that hadn�t been opened before,� she says. �He�s more inquisitive.�

Noah and Sandy are also new volunteers at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York.

I wish to visit the ICEHOTEL in Sweden.

Mon, 05 May 2008 15:14:41 GMT

Almost all wish kids will insist they had the coolest wish ever. But Cody, 17, can make a strong case that he had the coldest wish on record after feeling the sting of 20 degrees below zero.

His interest in architecture, a Swedish pen pal and his love for cold weather made him wish for a trip to the ICEHOTEL, located about 65 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Jukkasj�rvi, Sweden. Cody, who was diagnosed with a rheumatic disease, first learned about the ICEHOTEL in a documentary on The Discovery Channel. Since he works part-time as a draftsman for an architecture firm, he was enthralled by the idea of a hotel hewn each year from ice and snow.

Cody's view from the dogsled as he races from Kiruna to the ICEHOTEL.

But getting there was an ordeal for a teen who doesn't feel much love for air travel. His journey took him through more airports than he's ever seen before: Dallas, Chicago, Stockholm and the tiny airstrip at Kiruna, a frigid hamlet near Jukkasj�rvi.

Once Cody arrived in Kiruna, the Make-A-Wish Foundation put its usual wish travel arrangements on ice. Rather than a limousine, Cody traveled to the ICEHOTEL by dog sled. Even though his plane landed in the early afternoon, it was nearly pitch-dark by the time his sled team completed its 30-mile run to the ice hotel. He was amazed at the amount of snow draped over the forest. Most of the snow drifts, Cody said, were more than 10 feet tall.

During his time at the ice hotel, Cody spent two days in one of the permanent, heated rooms. But he got a night in one of the cold rooms, which workers build each year using blocks of ice from the nearby River Torne. The rooms stay at temperatures from 28 to 40 degrees F.

Each room, Cody said, had a "serene blue glow" from LEDs in the icy walls; the hotel's silence added to the serenity. He slept on a bed made from ice covered in reindeer fur. He woke up each day with a steaming cup of lingonberry juice, a concoction he came to like better than hot chocolate.

He also learned the true meaning of cold, even picking up a minor bit of frostnip during an excursion to a nearby village.

Even indoors, the mercury rarely gets higher than 32 degress.

"I thought it was kind of cool," Cody said, laughing. "I couldn't feel the left side of my face!"

Cody took another sled expedition through the forests, where he sampled some traditional Swedish cuisine: reindeer brisket, fish stew and mashed potatoes.

Cody also spent a few days in Stockholm, where he reconnected with his pen pal, Martina, and her friends and family. He took his first train trip in Stockholm and saw the Royal Guards at Stockholm Palace.

Another trip to Sweden may be in Cody�s future: He had a job offer to train dog sled teams, and is considering pursuing a job at the ICEHOTEL that would put his architecture skills to use. During his trip, the cold climate and clean air made him forget his health problems.

"I can't wait to go back!" he said.

-Justin Schmid

I wish to go visit my grandparents� farm in England.

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:38:47 GMT

Visit StirringUpWishes.com to read more about Chloe and her favorite Betty Crocker� cupcake recipe, "Strawberry-Cream Cheese Cupcakes."

Trafalgar Square - and its many pigeons - were among the many famous sites Chloe saw in London.

Five-year-old Chloe�s eyes always light up when her mom tells stories about growing up on her family�s 500-year-old farm in England. Chloe�s grandparents still live there, but it was a place she could only imagine � a place it seemed that she would never be able to visit. At least until the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® entered the picture.

Chloe was born with congenital heart disease and requires oxygen treatments that make it very difficult for airlines to accommodate her � especially on long flights. But when Chloe told wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego that her wish was to visit her grandparents, they were determined to get Chloe to the farm she�d heard so much about.

The adventure began with a limousine ride to the airport. Wish granters made all the necessary arrangements for her medical care on the flight, and the airline was pleased to welcome Chloe and her family onboard. A 10-hour flight delivered Chloe safely to London, where she and her family toured Buckingham Palace and were treated like royalty.

�I saw the queen�s jewels and the changing of the guard,� Chloe recalled. �They were even marching when I came there!�

Chloe and her family topped off their London experience with visits to Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Big Ben, and then they were off to the farm.

Chloe finally got to visit her grandparents on their 500-year-old farm and play on the grounds where her mom grew up.

Chloe�s relatives gave her a warm greeting when she arrived at the little farm in the village of Crackington Haven. Chloe had a great time visiting with her grandparents and romping around the grounds where her mom played as a little girl. Chloe�s mom said she never stopped smiling.

Chloe returned home with many photos and memories of the days spent with her family � especially her grandmother. �My nannie would make me jam sandwiches,� she said, remembering the homemade bread and strawberry jam that she shared with her grandmother at tea time.

The British adventure was a wish that Chloe and her whole family now cherish, and Chloe continues to smile every time she recalls her memories of the big London sights and the little family farm.

I wish to go to Japan.

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 22:20:42 GMT

Savannah tries on a traditional Japanese kimono.

It�s not everyday that Santa Claus greets you with a hearty �Happy Merry Christmas.� For 11-year-old Savannah, Santa�s off-beat welcome reminded her that she was in for a holiday celebration she�d never forget.

Savannah, who was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, wished to go to Japan. She had a huge list of things to do once she and her family touched down after a long flight from New York. Her itinerary covered a trip to the famous Harajuku shopping district, sightseeing at Mt. Fuji and other landmarks, enjoying Japan�s favorite theme parks and checking out museum artifacts. She also obliged her twin brothers with a trip to see a traditional garden.

�I was hoping my whole family would be there and that we�d have the greatest time,� Savannah said.

Savannah was impressed by the traditional politeness that infuses Japanese culture � and the cleanliness of Tokyo�s streets. Even in an area like Harajuku, which is crowded from wall-to-wall, everything seemed in its proper place. She was amazed that some Japanese people choose to wear masks when they�re ill to prevent others from getting sick.

�Strange but cool� was the mantra for Savannah�s first time away from North America � especially during meals. She was a bit cautious, mostly choosing white rice. Her brothers definitely had the adventurous spirit, often deciding to order squid on a stick.

Savannah and her brothers explore Tokyo�s �Electric Town� district.

Japan also lived up to its high-tech reputation. Akihabara, or Electric Town, gave Savannah glimpses of electronic gadgets not yet available in the United States.

�Electric Town makes New York City look like a little shack!� she said, describing the bright lights that make the area seem like high noon around the clock.

Tokyo Disneyland_� combined the familiar and foreign. Sure, she could ride her familiar favorites or check out a Christmas parade on Main Street. But Savannah and her mom, Sam, also noticed vendors serving curry popcorn and honey cakes � not your typical Disney delicacies found in California or Florida.

But Japan itself isn�t even what made her wish such a magical experience: Savannah bows to Make-A-Wish^� volunteers Katsu and Lori. Katsu was a perfect tour guide for Japan, and Lori from the Metro New York chapter has become like a member of her family.

Sam was thrilled by how people on both sides of the world went to so much effort for Savannah. Whether it was a limo to the airport or an obscure tidbit about a Japanese garden, Katsu and Lori had it covered.

�The stars really aligned for this kid,� Sam said.

I wish to go on a safari.

Wed, 02 May 2007 23:42:17 GMT

The lions, elephants and rhinos that roam the Namibian landscape had an unexpected visitor when 15-year-old Hugo made his wild wish.

Hugo, who was diagnosed with acute myelogenus leukemia, has always been fascinated with world travel, foreign cultures, and especially wild animals. He asked the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hudson Valley to quench his thirst for adventure with a safari in Namibia, a country near the southern tip of Africa.

Getting to Namibia required a 20-hour trip, but once he arrived, Hugo saw the most breathtaking and wild landscapes imaginable, from the Skeleton Coast, rich with African wildlife, to the Namib Desert, home to the world�s most magnificent sand dunes. Wildland Adventures, a company specializing in �worldwide explorations for active and inquisitive travelers� hosted Hugo on his Namibian trek.

Hugo and his dad discovered firsthand what it felt like to summit the giant mountains of sand. After their arrival, the pair hiked what�s believed to be the world�s tallest dune � dubbed �Big Daddy� by the locals � rising 1,200 feet above the desert floor. They also learned that going down a dune was a lot faster than going up, sandboarding at thrilling speeds.

Hugo got to see Africa�s wildlife up close in his safari jeep.

But for Hugo, nothing compared to the thrill of seeing all the African animals he�d grown up reading about. He and his family jumped in a jeep and visited the natural habitats of giraffes, rhinos, antelope and two different species of elephants. The adventure continued after sundown as they made camp in tents in the bush.

�A lion slept outside our tent one night,� Hugo excitedly recalled. �It woke us up by calling to its family.�

For Hugo, the highlight of the trip came when he got to �hang out� at a cheetah preserve. He smiled recalling how he got to feed one of the cheetahs there. �It began to really like me and felt comfortable around me. It would come up and rub up against me and purr. I think I bonded with that cheetah.�

Hugo hated to leave this amazing country, with the dramatic scenery and wildlife that had begun to feel like home. But when he returned to home to the United States, he had a camera full of photos and 10 days� worth of stories to share with friends and family.

Hugo�s favorite part of the wish was visiting the cheetah preserve. He made friends with the big cats, who purred and let him pet them.

�I met a lot of nice and fun people including locals�the Namibians are some of the most friendly people I have ever met in my travels,� Hugo said.

I wish to have a pop-up trailer.

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:59:07 GMT

Chloe�s new pop-up camper came equipped with everything she needed for an outdoor adventure.

Ever since 6-year-old Chloe can remember, her life has been full of campfires, toasted marshmallows and sleeping in her grandmother�s pop-up trailer. Her family�s camping trips are her favorite memories.

These fun-filled camping trips were put on hold when she was diagnosed with leukemia. During her treatments, she would think of all the good times she had during the family vacations.

�When she got sick, that was the one positive memory that she held on to,� said Stacie, Chloe�s mother.

That�s why Chloe was so quick in setting the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® on the trail of her wish to have a new pop-up trailer. She wanted her entire family to share in her wish.

After months of preparation, Chloe�s special day arrived. The family traveled to the Utah chapter�s magical headquarters, called �A Wishing Place,� and participated in festivities in Chloe�s honor.

Roasting marshmallows over the campfire was the perfect end to Chloe�s first night in her wish camper.

�She was in awe,� Stacie said of Chloe�s reaction to all of the attention. Just when Chloe thought her special day had ended, wish granters unveiled her wish, a new pop-up trailer.

The trailer was filled with camping supplies � everything from fishing poles and outdoor games to sleeping bags � to create wonderful memories. Chloe and her family, including her grandmother, immediately hooked the trailer to their truck and headed to the great outdoors for a family vacation.

�The Make-A-Wish Foundation helped provide Chloe with a light during a really dark time,� Stacie said. �It was a day that she could forget she was sick.�

Chloe is now doing well and has almost completed her treatment.

I wish to go to the Waterford Crystal Factory

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 03:46:13 GMT

Danielle, her mother, Sue, and Megan adored the cliffs of the Emerald Isle

A Peregrine poses politely with Danielle

Days after leaving the United States for the first time, wish kid Danielle was walking through a forest in Ireland with a hunting falcon perched on her forearm. She was also an honored guest at a 13th century Irish castle, and had enjoyed Waterford Crystal factory tour that�s usually reserved for foreign dignitaries.

Danielle�s wish would�ve been fulfilled even if her visit to the Emerald Isle ended after the crystal factory tour. She wanted to see its master artists blow, cut, inspected and engrave the crystal into the incredible vases, stemware and other shapes that make Waterford famous. But wish granters added falconry, stays at historic castles and more to make her wish experience the most memorable time of her life.

The creative wish was the result of a lot of thinking from 13-year-old Danielle, said her mother, Sue. They discussed the trip during Danielle�s recuperation from leukemia, and decided the trip would be a great way to celebrate her return to health.

Danielle concentrates on her own crystal creation

Sue still isn�t sure what inspired Danielle�s interest in Waterford Crystal, but it was clear she had an incredible time during the tour. Danielle and her cousin, Megan, met the staff, and they guided her as she crafted her own piece from a glob of red-hot molten crystal. Danielle experienced each step of the process, right up to engraving her name with a diamond pen.

�They were amazing with her,� Sue said.

After seeing the Waterford artisans at work, Danielle began a surprising tour of Ireland.

Danielle & her family enjoy a hearty Irish meal

Each day, Danielle and her family traveled to a different part of Ireland. They spent three of the seven days in picturesque castles throughout the countryside.

Danielle�s visit to Ashford is certain to live in her memory. She stayed at the Ashford Castle Hotel, a landmark dating to the 1200s, where she and Megan enjoyed one of the largest suites. The staff also treated the family to an hour-long falconry lesson in the nearby woods, a horseback riding adventure and spa treatments. Sue says it was a perfect way for the family to celebrate Danielle�s recovery; it�s been just more than a year since her last treatment.

�To actually leave the country and the doctors and the treatments was just a freeing experience for us all,� Sue said. �It was just one special thing after another. It was more than we ever anticipated.�

Danielle and her cousin, Megan, peer out from Ashford castle

I wish to go to Hawaii.

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 18:07:04 GMT

Before his Make-A-Wish^® experience, 18-year-old Anthony dreamed of deep-sea fishing, snorkeling in a spectacular lagoon and relaxing on the beach. Adding fuel to the fire were stories from Anthony�s dad about growing up in Hawaii. When volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Northern West Virginia talked to Anthony about his greatest wish, he knew he wanted to go to Hawaii to experience the Aloha State for himself. UAW-GM shared Anthony�s enthusiasm and sponsored his wish. Harry Green Chevrolet also hosted a send-off luau filled with tiki torches, grass skirts, leis and catered food.

With parents Troy and Dianne and brothers Mike, 20, and Kurtis, 13, the recent high-school grad set off for a one-week stay in Waikiki, Hawaii. The family had a packed itinerary and delighted in each days' activities. Among the highlights were visiting the Aloha Flea Market, exploring the sandy beaches of the North Shore, driving to the Pali Lookout for a view of Honolulu�s rain forest, and attending Germaine�s Luau, where they enjoyed oceanside entertainment with Polynesian-style dancing and food.

The group also checked out the cliff divers at Waimea Falls Park and took a deep-sea fishing excursion aboard the Blue Nun. Unfortunately, the fish were not biting that morning, and as a family member noted in the itinerary, �Wish we would have caught something.� On a brighter note, the family agreed that the best part of the trip was snorkeling at Oahu�s Hanauma Bay.

When their adventure was through, Anthony�s parents wrote to the Northern West Virginia chapter with appreciation and reflection: �When you granted Anthony�s wish to go to Hawaii, you blessed our family with a very special time together full of fun and laughter. After all a cancer patient goes through, as well as their family members, it�s a wonderful, refreshing, and bonding time that is truly needed.�

I wish to to go to Legoland and return in a sleeper train.

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 17:19:38 GMT

When questioned by volunteers with the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of East Tennessee, 11-year-old Elijah had a clear vision of his wish, right down to the transportation. Elijah wished to go to Legoland in California, but much of the fun would come from getting there and returning home. The Lego fan requested an airplane ride to San Diego (with a limousine ride to the Knoxville airport), but he wanted to come back to Tennessee in a sleeper train with his family. With sponsorship from UAW-GM and assistance from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego, the generous wish granters at the East Tennessee chapter gave him all that and much more.

Elijah � along with mom Beth, dad Eric, and older sister Ericka � flew to San Diego, where they checked into their downtown hotel. The family had plenty of space to relax with their two bedrooms, living room and kitchen. For the next five days, Elijah saw the very best of San Diego, including the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, the San Diego Wild Animal Park, the San Diego Bay and the all-important Legoland. He also toured Harbor Island, Shelter Island, Naval Air Station North Island, Naval Base Point Loma (a submarine base) and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.

As a big fan of western movies, part of Elijah�s wish was tracing the steps of cowboys by traveling back to Tennessee in a sleeper train. The family rode the rails across the American Southwest and into the Deep South, with stops in Los Angeles, New Orleans and Greenville, South Carolina.

When they reached the end of their journey, there was one more piece of excitement in store. Elijah attended a party thrown by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, UAW-GM and local General Motors dealers at his favorite restaurant, Chuck E. Cheese�s. There, Elijah shared photos and stories of his adventures.

I wish to go to my island, St. Thomas.

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 00:52:17 GMT

When Thomas was visited by Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut volunteers, he was certain about the wish he would ask for. This 9-year-old wanted to go on a ship that had plenty of activities and a port on the itinerary that included St. Thomas. (He claims that the island was named after him!) Armed with that information, his volunteers submitted the wish family packet and, like magic, his wish came true! Behind the scenes, Royal Caribbean International and the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted Thomas� wish through the Wishes at Sea program.

When wish granters returned to deliver Thomas� wish, they did not want him or his brother to be unprepared for their big adventure. So, they brought them beach towels, underwater cameras, and games for their days at sea. Since no celebration is complete without balloons and a �bon voyage� cake, his volunteers presented these gifts to Thomas, as well.

On a pre-dawn July morning, Thomas, his brother Taylor, and their parents were picked up by a limousine before the sun rose to head to LaGuardiaAirport. Their plane landed in Miami, and they embarked on Royal Caribbean International�s Navigator of the Seas for their seven-night Caribbean adventure. Because Thomas and his family did a lot of research before they left, we were able to book their shore excursions in advance to ensure that they were able to participate in all their favorite activities. After leaving Miami, their first stop was Nassau in the Bahamas. It was here that Thomas and his family swam with dolphins during the Dolphin EncountersSM. Not only did he swim with the dolphins, but he hugged, kissed, and danced with a dolphin. Not many people can say that they danced with a dolphin!

The next day was spent at sea, giving Thomas and his family a chance to enjoy everything the ship offered. He took advantage of the mini-golf, in-line skating, and the rock-climbing wall. The next stop was Thomas� island � St. Thomas! While on this island, they spent time at one of the world�s most beautiful beaches � Magen�s Bay. They were also able to see Coral World. The following day, Thomas and his family went on the El Yunque Rain Forest Tour in Puerto Rico. In order to protect themselves from the rain, Thomas and Taylor were resourceful and used huge leaves that they found on the ground as umbrellas! Their last stop was Labadee, Hispa�ola, where they relaxed at the beach and floated on Sea Trek floating beach mats. After all of the excitement from the past few days, it is no wonder why they chose to spend a peaceful day at the beach.

While on the ship, Thomas had a tour of the bridge and the kitchen. He loved the food! He was able to raise the Make-A-Wish� flag onboard the boat to show his support for the Foundation. Mom and Dad were pleased that the kind people at Royal Caribbean International arranged for them to have Internet access in their stateroom so that they could post pictures of their journey for their friends to enjoy.

Mom and Dad reflected, �It was all (and more) Thomas could have wanted. What a super way to relax and spend family time together after such a hard journey. Such a marvelous organization�thank you!�

Thomas was the 1,000th wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut. This milestone was celebrated when Thomas threw out the first pitch at the New Britain Rock Cats baseball game during the chapter�s day out at the stadium for wish children.

I wish to go on a Caribbean cruise.

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 00:36:59 GMT

When 17-year-old Jonathan found out that wish granters with the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Louisiana were sending him on the Caribbean cruise he requested, he was in a state of disbelief. According to the teen, �I did not know what to do with myself. I was absolutely ecstatic and could not find the words to express the way that I felt.� But Jonathan kept his cool and even managed to skillfully handle another momentous occasion � his high school graduation the night before his wish trip.

Jonathan�s Make-A-Wish^® adventure started when his family was picked up by a limousine early the morning after his graduation and taken to nearby Lafayette Regional Airport. A local television station interviewed the family, consisting of Jonathan, dad Will, mom Rita, and sister Lauren, before they departed for Miami, Fla., aboard American Airlines. They stayed for a night in Miami to rest up for their adventure and then hopped on board their own charter bus. Jonathan was surprised and commented, �We had an entire bus all to ourselves. It was kinda funny, actually, because I was really not expecting to have an entire bus for my family and me.� On the way to the boat dock, the driver toured Miami and made a point to show them the headquarters of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the corporate sponsor of Jonathan�s wish and the force behind the Foundation�s Wishes at Sea program.

When they boarded the majestic ship Voyager of the Seas, Jonathan was immediately captivated by the sculptures, architecture, rooms, and gadgets. By the first day, he also had high praise for the ma�tre d�, who he called �so cool,� and Jonathan�s waiter and assistant, who he called �the best.�

The adventurous teen�s first stop was in Haiti in an area called Labadee. That night, he and his sister checked out the Vault Disco, and Jonathan reported they �had a blast.� Snorkeling definitely became the activity of choice for the teen, as he did some underwater exploring off the islands of Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Cozumel.

In other highlights, he climbed the Dunns River Falls in Jamaica, which is a hot spot for hiking with its waterfalls, springs, and caves. The activity he called �the greatest� was taking pictures underwater in Cozumel. He also watched a sunset and sunrise, attended shows on the ship, played games, and visited the captain of Voyager of the Seas.

Jonathan offered his appreciation to both Royal Caribbean International and the Make-A-Wish Foundation in a letter sent after the trip: �I�d like to thank the Make-A-Wish Foundation and all the people who helped make my wish come true. It was a great week for my family and me.�

�Our sincere thanks for granting our son his wish and giving him such great memories. Your special kindness was greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. You will forever be in our hearts.�

-Jonathan�s parents

I wish to go to Hawaii to learn to surf.

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 00:19:07 GMT

The reality of John�s life-threatening medical condition hit him during the summer between his junior and senior years in high school. Unable to join his classmates on fun summer excursions, John instead had to endure surgery and treatments. Uncertain of what the future would bring, the teen asked his mother, Suzie, if he could use his college fund to go to Hawaii.

Around the same time, volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Iowa entered John�s life. They found out about his desire to go to Hawaii and told John to use his college fund for college. The Hawaii trip was on them.

Wish granters put together a sun lover�s itinerary, but due to John�s life-threatening medical condition, the trip was delayed twice. Fortunately, the determined boy never changed his mind. In fact, John said his wish experience was well worth the wait.

John and family members visited the islands of Maui and Oahu, where they embarked on many adventures, including a snuba cruise, parasailing, and the all-important surfing lessons. Snuba diving differs from scuba diving in that participants breathe through an air line connected to a raft on the surface of the water. Divers descend only as far as their air lines stretch, which can be about 20 feet.

Nowadays, John is taking his adventurous attitude into a new arena. Remember that college money? John has finished high school and is taking two classes this semester in college.

I wish to go to Paris to study artwork.

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 00:03:17 GMT

Fourteen-year-old Shelby dreamt of becoming an artist, and the talented triplet viewed Paris, France, as the beacon of artistic inspiration. After all, didn�t French artists Monet, Matisse and Gauguin weave their careers in and out of Paris? Shelby was determined to go. She even researched Paris� museums and landmarks, and studied French language and history, all in an effort to prepare her for when her dream would come true � whenever that was.

As fate would have it, Shelby and the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of the Mid-South found each other. The teen relayed her wish to volunteers, who put together an itinerary that would provide plenty of artistic inspiration in the �City of Lights.� When it came time to unveil the details of Shelby�s wish to her, the Mid-South chapter�s wish granters showed some creativity themselves. Knowing that their wish child loved to swing dance, they rented out a studio and invited her friends and family to the party. When Shelby arrived, she encountered lots of themed items, including an artist drawing caricatures, pastries with French flags, and sparkling cider (to toast her and bid �bon voyage�). During the festivities, Shelby turned the tables on the caricature artist and drew a picture of him! As a wish enhancement, the budding artist received her own easel, art supplies, and a drafting table.

The excited teen and her family flew to Paris, where they visited several art museums, toured the city aboard an open double-decker bus, and explored the Eiffel Tower. Additionally, they walked through the Ch�teau de Versailles (an expansive hunting lodge built by kings Louis XIII and Louis XIV), and took a side trip to the coastal region of Normandy.

Shelby�s wish moved her so much that she set a personal goal to raise enough money to fund a wish herself. To achieve this, she created several works of art since her wish three years ago. Now at the age of seventeen, Shelby has achieved her goal many times over! She donated original art to several Make-A-Wish chapters and national corporate sponsors and to date has granted four wishes through the sale of her artwork. Shelby has also painted the National WishMaker Awards for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America for the last two years. All of this heartfelt effort is the direct result of Shelby and her family�s commitment to the work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

I wish to go to Italy to see architecture.

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 23:41:44 GMT

When volunteers with the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Southern Nevada visited the home of 14-year-old Breana, she knew she wanted to see architecture in Europe. When pressed for specifics, the National Honor Society student narrowed down her wish to viewing architecture in Italy. Through the Wishes at Sea program, which is a product of the partnership between the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Royal Caribbean International, wish granters were able to create a wish experience packed with close-up views of some of the world�s most famous sites for Breana.

The young teen � along with mom Jayme, dad Steven, and sisters Erica and Kayla � chose to take a Mediterranean odyssey cruise aboard Grandeur of the Seas. Flying from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Rome, Italy, the family left the port in Rome aboard the luxurious Royal Caribbean ship. They pulled ashore in Naples, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Florence, Italy, for shore-side adventures. Breana got to check out the architecture of many churches and historic landmarks. The family noted that she did not get tired at all. In fact, they credit her with setting the fast pace.

When the group returned back to the United States, they invited the volunteers from the Southern Nevada chapter to their home to see the pictures and video from their Italian adventure. Two months after their trip, the family was back in contact with the chapter by sending a thank-you letter that highlighted the hope, strength, and joy found in their Make-A-Wish^® experience.

�The granting of Breana�s wish was so much more than the materialistic aspect. Although absolutely everything we needed was provided by Make-A-Wish, the biggest blessing that you provided for our family is very hard to put into words. The wish gave us a goal to look forward to and, since we were focusing on it, we were distracted from the chemotherapy and other undesirable medical procedures. We were able to take a break from the cancer battle and reinforce our love for each other. We can�t put a price tag on that.�

I wish to go to the Calgary Stampede.

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 23:11:49 GMT

Seventeen-year-old Valerie is a young rodeo star. She grew up on a ranch in Idaho and by high school became a champion barrel racer. Valerie asked wish granters with the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Idaho to send her to the Calgary Stampede � a 10-day summer festival in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, that includes musical performances, rodeos, horse racing, stock shows and stage shows. The teen rider later explained, �I love the sport of rodeo and going to the Calgary Stampede had always been one of my dreams.�

Thanks to sponsorship from UAW-GM, Valerie, her parents, Glen and Linda, and her siblings flew to Canada. They stayed at The Fairmont Palliser Hotel, a historical landmark in Calgary which Valerie called �one of the greatest hotels in Canada.�

The Calgary Stampede proved to be all that Valerie had hoped for. She attended the rodeo, which was the focus of her wish, but she experienced much more. During the Calgary Stampede�s opening parade, Valerie rode a horse while carrying the American flag. She also watched the chuckwagon races, which pits drivers with teams of horses and a covered wagon against each other on a dirt track. The rodeo had plenty of action for the attentive teen, including barrel racing, calf roping, bull riding, bareback bronco riding and trick riders.

Outside of Calgary, the family visited Spruce Meadows, a world-famous complex for horse-jumping tournaments. They also rented an RV and took a two-day tour of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park. Banff is Canada�s first national park and boasts mountains, glaciers, lakes, mineral hot springs, canyons and plenty of wildlife.

All in all, the experience had Valerie beaming. �The people here treated us like kings," she said. "The Canadian people really went out of their way to make my wish a huge success. This is truly an event I will never forget.�