Twelve-year-old Chase decided several years ago to grow his hair long enough to contribute to Locks of Love, a nonprofit that makes hairpieces for disadvantaged children who've lost their hair, usually through cancer treatments. It took two years. Within weeks of his donation, Chase, himself, was diagnosed with cancer, began chemotherapy treatments and lost his hair.

Chase loves museums, history and national monuments, having grown up listening to his grandparents’ stories about how exciting history is. So, when he received his wish he decided he wanted to visit the Smithsonian Institution sites in Washington, D.C.

The six-day excursion wasn't long enough to visit all 19 of the Smithsonian museums, but Chase was most interested in the National Zoo, Air and Space Museum and the American Museum of Natural History, which included a visit to the museum's new Sant Ocean Hall, home of the new exhibit of the 330-pound giant squid specimen.

After returning, Chase said this trip was truly a celebration for winning his battle with cancer, since he received his final chemotherapy treatment just before departing on his wish!