Charlie
Volcano Watching and Deep Sea Fishing
Charles Fahrenwald of Warrenville knew that having his wish granted would be a very special experience for him. What he didn't realize is that it would mean so much to the people helping to make his wish come true. With Charlie's wish, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted its 9,000th wish in Illinois since the local chapter was founded in 1985.
Charlie, 10, has lived with a life-threatening kidney condition his whole life. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois recently granted Charlie's wish to visit Hawaii, where he and his family enjoyed a week of Aloha hospitality. Charlie picked Hawaii because he wanted to see a real volcano. He wasn't disappointed as he was able to see a lava flow and and take a helicopter sightseeing tour of volcanoes. Charlie also enjoyed a chartered boat ride for sport fishing and a snorkel and dolphin sailing tour while in Hawaii.
Charlie has had one kidney transplant that is failing and currently undergoes dialysis while waiting for a new kidney. Outgoing and personable, Charlie likes animals, especially fish and stingrays. He is considering a career in veterinary medicine someday.
Charlie's mom said the whole family had wonderful experience and it was great to see Charlie smiling so much througout the trip.
More than 1,300 volunteers and 41 staff members work to grant the wishes of Illinois children
