A wish can teach a sick child that anything is possible, even the future. Every day, children who are fighting for their lives make that life-altering decision about what is their one true wish. And Make-A-Wish is always there to turn their innocent dreams into unforgettable realities.In Hawaii, between 40 and 50 wishes are granted each year. At any given time, there are between 15 and 20 wishes pending.The most popular wish is for a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida; 75% of the wish children ask to "meet Mickey Mouse." Other popular wishes include computers, shopping sprees, celebrity meetings and trips to visit relatives in other sites around the world.
Wishes Granted
As part of a partnership between Longs Drugs Stores and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Long's sponsored a special wish for Waianae four-year-old, Maka.Like many young boys, Maka loves football, baseball, and Mickey Mouse. When Make-A-Wish volunteers asked him what his one true wish was, he promptly asked to go to Disneyland. The magic started at the Waianae Longs store where Maka and his parents, Colleen and Marius, sisters Leialoha, 13, Kalena, 15, Wainani, 16, and brother, Moku, 7, were treated to a grand bon voyage party. The Almarza family was off for a week in Southern California visiting all the area attractions, including, of course, the Magic Kingdom.