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.
This page can be found at http://www.wish.org/stories/adventure/international_travel/leah_heron_island
©2006 Make-A-Wish Foundation®
