Make-A-Wish Tour
July 26, 2004 • Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station was the location of a special event for Mark Sutcliffe and his family. Mark suffers from Burkett's Lymphoma, but through chemotherapy treatment, has been able to recover a good portion of his physical health. He has surprised many people (including teachers and doctors) when he returned to school and obtained exceptional grades. This was not a surprise to his parents, who, with the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, was able to help Mark realize his dream of coming to Hawaii, to swim with dolphins, to see some volcanoes and to visit Mauna Kea. Mark loves science, and the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy (IfA) was contacted to facilitate a tour of the Mauna Kea facilities. Surprise gift presentations were made by representatives of Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, Gemini Observatory, Keck Observatory, Caltech Submillimeter Observatory, Subaru Telescope and the IfA. A persistent fog layer dissipated by the onset of twilight and a stargazing session was provided to the family (who own a modest dobsonian in Ohio).
This was the second wish fulfilled to a Make-A-Wish Foundation Child in the past six months by the IfA Outreach office, and we are very pleased that there was support by other Mauna Kea Observatories and the Visitor Information Station. We are also pleased to know that there is interest in astronomy everywhere and awareness that Mauna Kea is a special place for astronomical endeavors both amateur and research oriented.
Dennis Scarla, T/O of Subaru Telescope presenting Mark with a gift package Gift presentation from Mary Beth of CFHT CSO student interns, Riley Ceria and Meaghan Priceley with Mark and Brian
The Sutcliffe family in the infrared wavelength Mark Sutcliffe, with a framed image from IfA Director Rolf Kudritzki Kenyan Beals explaining Hawaiian Silversword replanting efforts
Wish Family and "Wish Fulfillers"