Samantha standing in front of NCL Pride of America.

All set for the helicopter tour of the islands.

Samantha received V.I.P. treatment throughout the cruise.

Samantha enjoyed the Luau with her family.

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Samantha is a dynamic 17-year-old who loves both physical activities like swimming and skiing, and quieter activities like camping and playing computer games. But ever since the Madison teen was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, many of these activities were put on hold while she dealt with hospitals, doctors and treatments.

Samantha kept focusing on the positive throughout her treatments as she planned for her wish trip to go on a Hawaiian cruise. It was a trip Samantha had been dreaming of for years, ever since her grandmother brought the family all kinds of souvenirs from her own Hawaiian vacation.

“The trip was extraordinary,” says Samantha’s mom Lynn. “Samantha had certain things that she wanted to do and see, and she did every one.”

When on the land, Samantha and her family were active, taking in all the islands had to offer. They snorkeled, went parasailing, took a helicopter tour of volcanoes and attended a traditional Hawaiian luau. When aboard the cruise ship, Samantha and her family happily slowed their pace, enjoying the ship’s many restaurants, swimming pools and entertaining shows. They even received V.I.P. tours of the ship.

Samantha’s wish was the perfect mix of energy and rest, of independence and family time, of excitement and peace. It was a prefect example of how Samantha refused to let her medical condition alter her life.

“Cancer has made me stronger,” she says proudly, “but it doesn’t define me as a person.”

Wish Granters: Brad & Trish Horning
Sponsors: Midwest Airlines; Hunzinger Construction Co.