Make-A-Wish Stories - Adventure

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

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.�

I wish to go to Hawaii.

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 22:39:43 GMT

Nine-year-old Sara is a very active girl. She enjoys swimming, singing, drawing, dancing, finger weaving, latch hook and gymnastics. When wish granters with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro St. Louis interviewed Sara, they learned she wanted to go to Hawaii to do even more. The energetic youngster wished �to learn to hula and swim with the dolphins.�

With sponsorship from Jewelers For Children (JFC), Sara � along with mom Mary, stepdad Tom and sister Jaime � flew to the Aloha State and rode in a limo, which were both firsts for the young tourist. When the family arrived, it was already too dark to head for the beach, but Sara was amazed at her accommodations at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, calling it �the very best room at the hotel.�

During the family�s first full day in Hawaii, Sara and Jaime ventured to the beach and explored the ocean. They also took surfing lessons. The next day, the family visited Sea Life Park in Oahu, where Sara�s dream of swimming with dolphins came true. After drying off, she watched a show during which a pirate picked her out of the audience, took her hostage and would not let her go until she did the chicken hula dance.

Sara�s next day in paradise was a special one. She hit double digits in age with her 10th birthday. To celebrate, she attended a luau. On the way there, the birthday girl received a �Happy Birthday� serenade from the entire bus. For fun at the luau, Sara got a temporary tattoo, played Hawaiian games, learned to hula dance with professionals and ate birthday cake. At one point, Sara�s birthday was announced to the crowd of about 500 people and she again received a "Happy Birthday" chorus.

Sara�s other activities on the island of Oahu included snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and horseback riding at Turtle Bay. The active youngster is brimming with joy after her Make-A-Wish adventure.

�Hawaii was such a beautiful and special place. We will have very special memories of our trip,� she said.

I wish to go to San Diego.

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 22:08:14 GMT

Four-year-old Elisa has a wide range of interests. She follows the adventures of cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants and �Sesame Street� puppet Elmo. She also gets a kick out of her PlayStation, loves her cat Snowball, and eats bologna-and-cheese rollups. When it comes to the animal world, she is interested in sea otters and sea lions.

When considering her wish from wish granters with the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Sacramento and Northeastern California, the adventurous girl talked about all the things she would like to do. They included flying on a plane, making sand castles on the beach, and seeing and petting sea lions, dolphins, and sea otters. Luckily, there is a place in the world where all those things can be summed up into one Make-A-Wish^® experience � San Diego, California.

Elisa flew to San Diego on a airplane and stayed at Ocean Park Inn, which rests on the sands of Pacific Beach. Elisa�s first stop was Sea World, where she received a behind-the-scenes tour. She got to pet and feed a sea lion, and also participated in Dine with Shamu, a poolside meal service where diners eat on the edge of a killer-whale habitat. After the experience, Elisa�s mom explained that her daughter didn�t eat much during the meal because she was mesmerized by the shenanigans of Shamu and friends. She added that whales have now earned a spot on Elisa�s �favorite animals� list.

During her vacation, the active youngster visited the beach to build sand castles and collect shells, and checked out the San Diego Zoo. She also rode in a limo and played in the hotel spa, which she called the �big bathtub.� Looking back, Elisa�s parents both agree that the wish experience �couldn�t have been more perfect.�

Elisa�s zest for life has now taken her into the classroom. She began kindergarten shortly after her wish.

I wish to go to Australia's Heron Island.

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 21:58:07 GMT

When considering her wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Oregon, 13-year-old Leah knew exactly where she wanted to go. She wished to visit Australia, but had a specific destination in the �Land Down Under� � Heron Island.

Wish granters put together all the travel arrangements, and UAW-GM generously sponsored the cost of the wish. Local GM dealerships in Leah�s area got in the act too. On her departure day, the dealerships put together a treasure hunt for the young traveler. Riding in a limo and deciphering clues attached to a koala bear key ring, Leah visited five different GM dealers. At each stop, the employees had a different send-off theme.

At one dealership, the theme was �All About Australia,� and the employees showered Leah with a kangaroo puppet, an Australia guidebook, a notepad and pens with Australia stickers, and more stuffed animals. Another dealership greeted her with a banner that read �Are we there yet?� At this stop, Leah received games and puzzles for the theme of staying occupied during the long plane ride. Other highlights from her stops included a cake that said �Gadday Mate� and presents including sunbathing supplies and a camera with film and batteries.

Now that she was well equipped, Leah � along with mom Laurie and dad Rion � began their journey to Australia for a week-long vacation at Heron Island. The family actually arrived in Sydney, Australia, and rested for a couple of days before flying to Gladstone. From there, they took a �launch� � which is a two-hour catamaran ride � to the island.

On the island paradise, Leah and her parents stayed at the Heron Island Resort in a reef suite. Additionally, the resort furnished the family with all their meals, so they could concentrate on relaxing. To add to the ambience, birds cackled and shrieked at all hours of the day and night, and the family thought it gave the island a more exotic feel.

Leah spent time wading into the clear ocean waters and also diving into them. The resort graciously provided the adventuresome girl with free diving instruction and equipment, which she took full advantage of. She later called it one of her favorite parts of the trip.

I wish to go swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove.

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 20:35:30 GMT

Six-year-old Taylor loves to play in the water. She enjoys swimming and skidding down water slides. Above all, she loves seafaring creatures that also frolic in the water � dolphins. When questioned by volunteers with the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of South Carolina, Taylor chose to swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove. As if that wasn't fantastic enough, she was the chapter's 1,000th wish child!

With sponsorship from UAW-GM, wish granters arranged for Taylor to go to Discovery Cove � a tropical paradise in Orlando, Fla., filled with friendly dolphins, adventuresome snorkeling, fun-filled swimming and tropical birds. Taylor � along with her family � soaked up the sun on white beaches, relaxed under oversized umbrellas, and browsed at local gift shops. At Discovery Cove, the excited 6-year-old realized her wish when she swam with a dolphin named C.J. Afterwards, Taylor described her aquatic friend as "smart" and "very ticklish."

In addition to sharing time with C.J., Taylor also visited Disney's Animal Kingdom, toured SeaWorld, fed sea lions and rode her first roller coaster. Those experiences were a blast, but dolphins appear to be firmly rooted in Taylor's future. Along with her sister, Taylor plans to become a dolphin trainer. When asked if her trip could have been any better, Taylor exclaimed, "No, it was perfect!"

I wish to go to Elmendorf Air Force Base to see my brother.

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 20:25:00 GMT

Thirteen-year-old Keith lived a long way from his older brother, Tim. The teen had talked to Tim over the phone, but hadn't seen him in two years. When volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Mississippi explained to Keith that he could have a wish granted, the boy who missed his brother decided to travel to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska to be reunited with Tim, who was serving as an F-15E crew chief with the U.S. Air Force's 90th Fighter Squadron.

Keith and his family flew to Anchorage, Alaska. In the Last Frontier, they were welcomed with an orientation by the 90th Fighter Squadron. Lieutenant Colonel John Marselus made Keith a crew chief for a day, like his brother. As part of the occasion, the squadron put Keith's name on a jet next to Tim's, put him inside the cockpit and made him an honorary squadron member. As a special gift, Marselus presented Keith with a flag he'd flown on a combat sortie in support of Operation Northern Watch.

The lieutenant colonel's affection for Keith stemmed from an earlier interaction with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Years earlier, Marselus' nephew was battling a life-threatening illness. Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the boy was able to meet an athletic hero, a gift not lost on Marselus.

But the central figure in the wish was Tim, who let Keith get a close-up view of him launching an F-15E. He also presented Keith with a 90th Fighter Squadron medallion, cap, and shirt. When Keith was questioned about what the highlight of his trip was, he talked about sitting in the display aircraft and � above all � being with his brother.

I wish to go to New York City to deliver Guardian Angel pins.

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 20:13:58 GMT

Eighteen-year-old Brandi's wish has grabbed the attention and caught the hearts of many Americans, including people in the media. Brandi's wish � to deliver guardian angel pins to survivors of the Sept. 11 attack in New York City � generated significant interest that sparked high-profile interview requests.

During her wish, she spoke on "CNN Live" and "New York Live." Additionally, CNN aired footage of Brandi visiting the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

The generous teen's wish itinerary took her to a variety of agencies in and around the Big Apple, including FDNY Ladder 11, the FDNY headquarters, the New York City Police Department headquarters, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and New York Public School IS 289. Along the way, Make-A-Wish volunteers provided pins for Brandi to present to the firefighters, officers, widows and students.

In her role as an unofficial goodwill ambassador, Brandi had many memorable experiences. The members of the FDNY Ladder 11 firehouse prepared lunch for the teen and her family. Her tour also included joining a class of sixth graders who attend school just blocks from Ground Zero. Brandi also rode a fire engine, a fire boat and a police boat.

Brandi was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness one day before the Sept. 11 attacks riveted the world. The timing was not lost on her.

"When I got sick, I was given a lot of guardian angel pins," she said. "I believe they helped me in my battle against my illness. I hope these pins will bring comfort to other people who received devastating news just one day after I received my diagnosis."

Brandi's exhilarating interactions resulted from collaboration between her local Make-A-Wish chapter � the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine � and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York.