Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL HomeBoy Makes A Wish to Visit Governor Linda Lingle
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HONOLULU (KHNL) -- It's a wish come true for a southern California boy with a life-threatening medical condition - a visit to Hawaii to meet Governor Linda Lingle.
12-year-old Michael Forbes came all this way to talk story with the Governor about health care. The Make-A-Wish Foundation made his visit possible.
With Mikey's own health in a vulnerable state, caring for the sick is something he wants to dedicate his life to.
A trip to Hawaii to meet the head of the state is a dream come true for Forbes. While most Make-A-Wish Foundation kids ask to go on Disney trips, Mikey asked for a one-on-one with Governor Lingle.
"What's different about this medical system than every other state?" Forbes asked her.
"Well it really is unique because every business is required, if they have an employee who works 20 hours or more per week, they have to provide medical insurance to that employee," said Governor Lingle.
Mikey's visit is a step towards a bigger dream - to be a doctor.
"Because I don't want to sit around and do nothing and watch people die," he said.
Mikey's family knows first hand how fragile health can be. Mikey and his four brothers suffer from severe hemophilia, a hereditary disorder where they bleed longer than others when injured.
"We don't really get to do as much as other families," said Forbes.
What they do plan on during their stay in Hawaii is to take advantage of the ocean, another reason Mikey wished for the islands. Swimming is his other passion. His 50 meter free time is 30:02.
With a handshake, Mikey leaves the Governor's Office with one wish fulfilled, and another wish to work on - helping others like him lead normal lives.
Mikey's brothers have also taken part in the Make-A-Wish Foundation. So far, one has met President Bush and another has met Bill Gates.
The Foundation says Hawaii is the second most requested wish among kids in the program. The local chapter fulfills 625 wishes each year.
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