THE WISH OF A LIFETIME I n 2015, Make-A-Wish Hawaii granted the wish to be a volcanologist to our 1,000th Hawaii wish kid. Donovan, a 13-year-old boy from Waipahu, suffers from sickle cell anemia, which can cause excruciating pain that can often only be eased by a full blood transfusion. His medical journey has been difficult for him and his family, but one subject always takes his mind off his condition: volcanoes. Donovan wished to be a volcanologist, and where better to study volcanoes than world-famous Kilauea? His father, Michael, recalled Donovan reading the wish letter that delivered the best news of his life. “You could see his face change as his eyes moved down the page. His eyes widened and when he got to the end, he looked up at us and there were tears streaming down his face. He had never been so happy. He couldn’t believe it.” After a short plane ride down the island chain, Donovan and his parents were welcomed by a surprise team of Hilo volunteers, waving signs with Donovan’s name on them and cheering excitedly. Donovan’s joyous smile hasn’t faded since! During five incredible days, Donovan met some of the most prestigious scientists in meteorology, astronomy, volcanology and geology, learning everything about volcanic rocks and craters he could absorb from inside the laboratory, across the lava fields and from the sky in a helicopter. Because of his wish, Donovan was able to discover more about his one true passion, inspiring him to dream big about the future and to imagine all of its possibilities as a volcanologist. A wish is more than a day, or a week; a wish is for life. Photos: Sarah Anderson Photography A WISH IS MORE THAN A DAY, OR A WEEK; A WISH IS FOR LIFE.
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