Make-A-Wish® Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia

Deep Sea Fishing

Jonathon's Dream Comes True In Nags Head, NC

Jonathon, a 16-year-old boy from Peterson, W.V., loves to go hunting, fishing and be outdoors like many other boys his age. However, since being diagnosed with leukemia,  things have been a little more difficult for him. So when he was asked what his most heartfelt wish would be, his choice was easy. He chose a fishing trip to Nags Head, N.C.

On a wonderful day in July, Jonathon and his family packed up their van and set out for North Carolina. They arrived the next morning and settled in to their new home for the week -- a beautiful three-story cottage with a magnificent view of the ocean. On their first evening in Nags Head, they took a stroll on the beach before Jonathon and the men of the family set out to do a little fishing from the Outer Banks pier.  This was just a preview of the great fishing adventures to come.

The next day brought all the men of the family to the Oregon Inlet for their deep sea fishing trip with Tuna Fever Charters. While out on the ocean, they caught several fish including amberjacks. Jonathon even landed a White Marlin! The next day, the family set out for the North Carolina Aquarium for the day. In the afternoon, they took a 30-minute flight over the island with Barrier Island Aviation. Jonathon was even allowed to take control of the plane for a little while. After the flight, they headed over to the Fishing Unlimited Pier to try their hand at crabbing. After a few hours, they came back with five blue claw crabs.

During his wish, Jonathon and his family were also treated to a private tour of the Wright Memorial, a tribute to the Wright Brothers, pioneers of aviation. The following few days of their vacation included more crabbing and another fishing trip where they caught sea trout, croakers, sea mullet, grey trout, speckled trout and stripers, some of which were released. The also enjoyed some inland fun with a round of mini golf and a visit to the Elizabethan Gardens. In the evenings, they visited the beach and went shopping and even ocean kayaking. The entire trip was fun for everyone. Now, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Jonathon and his family will have many wonderful memories to last a lifetime of a very special beach vacation.