Just last year, Colleen came down with Swine Flu and was sick from September until March. During this time, she had her chest X-rayed and endured a CT scan, which revealed that Colleen had three masses in her chest. Colleen was diagnosed with having Stage Three Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which is a cancer of the white blood cells. She has suffered through a surgery to implant a port in her chest and at the same time to biopsy the masses. Since the surgery, Colleen has endured three rounds of chemotherapy and 15 days of radiation therapy. Her condition must be monitored with frequent X-rays and scans.

For her wish, Colleen visited the beautiful “Aloha state” where she followed an itinerary from her wish coordinator full of fun activities including a trip to the USS Arizona Memorial, a dolphin encounter, a boat tour, a trip to the famous Dole plantation, a horseback ride and even a ghost tour!

“Everything was awesome,” said Colleen of her wish trip. “I’m kind of glad to be home, but the weather here [in Illinois] really makes me want to go back…also, the pineapples in the grocery store look so unappetizing now. I don’t know why, but they’re just not as good as the ones in Hawaii…my bucket list is definitely a lot shorter now. Thank you.”

Ryan is an intelligent 15-year-old who is battling a life-threatening condition called Steroid Dependent Ulcerative Colitis. This is a serious condition that affects the body’s intestines and causes severe pain, loss of weight, dehydration and even blood loss.

Ryan had an amazing time on her Hawaiian vacation! She visited many sites including the Pearl Harbor Memorial, the Polynesian Cultural Center and even Sea Life Park where she got to swim with dolphins and the world’s only wolphin (half whale, half dolphin) in captivity! Ryan’s wish trip was just what she needed and she said she had an amazing time!

15-year-old Trisha has faced more in her young life than many people have in a lifetime. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, bone cancer, in April of 2004. Trisha’s cancer had manifested in one of her legs, and unfortunately, doctors were forced to amputate. Since her diagnosis, Trisha has endured aggressive chemotherapy treatments and has been in and out of the hospital.

After all that she’s been through, this brave girl was definitely ready for a break. Trisha’s special trip to Hawaii was a perfect way to rejuvenate! On her exciting trip to beautiful Honolulu, Trisha went sailing on a catamaran, took an underwater tour of the island in a submarine, visited the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, enjoyed her very first luau and swam in the sparkling Pacific. It was truly an experience she will cherish forever!

14-year-old Patrick suffers from cystic fibrosis. C.F. is a chronic lung disease that causes the lungs to be covered with thick, heavy mucus and which interferes with a child’s breathing. It can often lead to very serous lung infections. Patrick must take daily medications and also must endure frequent breathing treatments. In addition to a visit to the Waikiki Aquarium, Patrick enjoyed a tour of the Bishop Museum, Hawaii’s Museum of Cultural and Natural History. Another busy day included an exciting underwater tour of the island in a submarine. Patrick also got up close and personal with the dolphins at Dolphin Quest. Later, Patrick took a special and touching tour of the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor where he got to meet several survivors of the 1941 attack. It was definitely an adventure to remember for Patrick.

Hunter was born with Hemophilia A. This is a very serious bleeding disorder caused by a genetic mutation. People suffering with this condition bleed very easily and often from very minor injuries. It can be extremely serious as the bleeding occurs into the joints and muscles. Hunter has had exceptionally severe bleeding episodes which require him to endure IV treatments. Hunter bleeds most often in his legs and when this happens, he is ordered to bed rest to ensure that he doesn’t develop clots. He has been in and out of the hospital much of his young life and experiences mobility issues.

While on the island, Hunter and his family enjoyed activities that ranged from whale watching to snorkeling. They even got to attend an authentic Hawaiian luau!

To celebrate his 14th birthday, Kids Wish Network arranged for Hunter to receive personal surfing lessons and have a celebration dinner at Atlantis Seafood and Steak. “Hunter got to hold a real lobster. What better way to spend his birthday. It doesn’t get much better than this and this is something he will never forget!” Hunter’s mom said.

Now at home, the family is getting back to the “daily grind” but the trip isn’t far from their minds. “It was great to have a family vacation with just my immediate family,” Hunter’s mom said. “The trip was amazing and everyone had a great time!”

Avery has mitochondrial myopathy, a disease that saps him of his energy and muscle strength. There is no real treatment and no cure for his condition, which puts him at risk for damage to his internal organs. Avery uses a wheelchair when he travels long distances, and he uses oxygen at night as he sleeps.

For his wish, Avery wanted to have some real fun in Hawaii with his family. When he got there, Avery was treated like a celebrity and he loved every second. In true Hawaiian style, Avery enjoyed a real surfing lesson and even did a handstand on the surf board! He also got to swim with dolphins and visit an aquarium!

Alexander was born with congenital complete third degree A-V heart block. This is a very serious condition whereas the heart’s electrical signal doesn’t pass from the upper chambers of the heart to the lower chambers. Essentially, this causes the heart to beat at an extremely low rate. Living with this condition has been very challenging and difficult for Alexander and just last August, doctors had to perform emergency surgery on him and implant a pacemaker. In addition, Alexander has mild paralysis on his left side.

This special little guy had the time of his life on his exciting trip to Hawaii. During his time in Honolulu, Alexander went surfing and swimming, rode in a catamaran and a submarine, took a helicopter tour of the island and went swimming with dolphins! Wow – what a trip!

To read more about Avery’s wish please visit http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/story/807548.html

Vanessa
Wish Coordinator