Aloha! Andrew "hangs ten" on his Hawaiian wish.

17-year-old Andrew is a laid-back teenager with a keen interest in anything sports-related.  From football to skateboarding, Andrew appreciates a good competitive challenge. 

It is with this mentality that Andrew has tackled his diagnosis with CML, a form of leukemia.  However, endless treatments have left this teen yearning for a game that isn’t about winning or losing, but simply about experiencing joy. 

When Andrew met with his Make-A-Wish volunteers, he took the opportunity to rediscover his joy for life.  Andrew wished to learn how to surf in Hawaii.    Andrew spent a week enjoying the crystal waters and warm, relaxing sunshine of Hawaii.  After a fun-filled surfing lesson, Andrew could successfully stand on his surfboard and ride the waves!  He had mastered a new sport, and his happy smile could be seen along the miles of sandy beach. 

Andrew’s Hawaiian adventure also took him on a tour of Pearl Harbor and a deep-sea fishing trip, where he caught an 18-pound Mahi Mahi. 

The magic of his wish gave Andrew a sense of renewal, and the thrill of tackling his new sport restored his energy to continue competing against his illness.  Volunteer team:  Ellen and Steve Fortin