The reality of John’s life-threatening medical condition hit him during the summer between his junior and senior years in high school. Unable to join his classmates on fun summer excursions, John instead had to endure surgery and treatments. Uncertain of what the future would bring, the teen asked his mother, Suzie, if he could use his college fund to go to Hawaii.

Around the same time, volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Iowa entered John’s life. They found out about his desire to go to Hawaii and told John to use his college fund for college. The Hawaii trip was on them.

Wish granters put together a sun lover’s itinerary, but due to John’s life-threatening medical condition, the trip was delayed twice. Fortunately, the determined boy never changed his mind. In fact, John said his wish experience was well worth the wait.

John and family members visited the islands of Maui and Oahu, where they embarked on many adventures, including a snuba cruise, parasailing, and the all-important surfing lessons. Snuba diving differs from scuba diving in that participants breathe through an air line connected to a raft on the surface of the water. Divers descend only as far as their air lines stretch, which can be about 20 feet.

Nowadays, John is taking his adventurous attitude into a new arena. Remember that college money? John has finished high school and is taking two classes this semester in college.