Article Originally Published in Lahaina News
MAUI, HI - This has been a challenging year for nine-year-old Samuel Young of Tampa, Florida, and his family. He was diagnosed with lymphoma in January, a week before his birthday.
No more school, and many rugged chemotherapy treatments followed. During one of his frequent hospital stays, he was visited by a representative from a local wish-granting organization, the Children's Dream Fund, and told that he could have a dream come true.
Finally, the year was looking brighter, and in no time at all, Sam thought, "Maui, Hawaii, swim with turtles and dolphins, see a volcano erupt, and visit a candy store!"
The residents and business community of Maui rolled out the red carpet for Sam and his family last week. They arrived at Kahului Airport on Saturday, June 26.
Pamela Reader and Greg Burns of Elite Pacific Properties helped plan the trip, with the family enjoying a free stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.
Generous donors that welcomed Sam and showed off our beautiful island include Atlantis Adventures, Old Lahaina Luau, Maui Paddle Sports, Kahoma Ranch Tours, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Leilani's on the Beach and Cool Cat Cafe.
The Children's Dream Fund has been making dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses living in West Central Florida since 1981.