Peter
Pilot Dream Takes Flight
Amid the roar of jets taking off and the thwap-thwap of the slowing helicopter blades, everyone heard wish child Peter say "Awesome!" as he came off of his first helicopter ride. Peter, 11, got a full day of "junior pilot training" when his wish was granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois and the many agencies that serve Midway International Airport in Chicago.
Peter, of Chicago, lives with Neurofibromatosis Type 2, which causes tumors in the nervous system, leading to difficulty in hearing and balance. He recently had surgery to remove tumors in his head. He told Make-A-Wish volunteers that he wished to spend the day as a pilot - what he would most like to be when he grows up.
A full day of aviation related actives was planned especially for Peter. It started with a greeting from Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino and Deputy Aviation Commissioner Erin O'Donnell. Alderman Mike Zeleski and three Southwest Airlines pilots also welcomed Peter to the airport. He was even given a Junior Pilot badge from Chicago's Mayor Richard M. Daley. 
Then it was off to experience the inner workings of Midway International Airport including a tour of the terminal, a visit to the cockpit of a Southwest Airlines plane, a stop at the air traffic control tower. Peter enjoyed lunch with the airport assigned unit of the Chicago Fire Department and a visit to the Air National Guard unit at Midway to see the military helicopters. Then, it was time to take to the air as the Chicago Police Department and Cook County Sheriff took Peter and his mom for a short ride in a helicopter. As a final surprise to Peter, the Make-A-Wish Foundation presented him with a laptop computer, complete with flight simulation software.
Peter won't soon forget this day, especially with all of the special mementos that were gifted to him throughout the day including a pilot's hat, wings and shirt, a rolling suitcase, a runway light converted to a lamp, a runway sign, a scanner so he could listen to the air traffic over his Midway neighborhood home. Many other keepsakes were given to Peter by the many generous people he met during his wish.
Everyone person encountered Peter throughout his wish day experienced his excitement and was touched by the joyous impact this wish experience brings him as he deals with his life-threatening medical condition.
CLICK HERE to see Peter's story on ABC7 Chicago.
CLICK HERE to see Peter's story on FOX News Chicago.
More than 70% of wishes granted are travel related. Frequent Flier Miles are always needed to help grant these wishes.
