Jeff Krause is a 17-year-old boy from Mason City who loves farming, fishing, country music, and his truck. And even though he cannot play right now, he loves basketball. In July 2010, Jeff was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. In spite of this diagnosis, surgery and on-going treatments, Jeff always keeps a positive attitude.
A big fan of travelling, Jeff has always had dreams of going to Australia. When Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois volunteer wish granters Joanne and Robert Stambaugh met with Jeff to talk about what his wish might be, it was no surprise when Jeff wished for a South Pacific cruise.
Along with his parents and brother, Jeff was seen off by family and friends in style with a limo ride up to Chicago. After flying from Chicago, Illinois to Sydney, Australia, he boarded a Royal Caribbean ship for an eighteen day cruise through the South Pacific. While on the trip the family was able to go on many different excursions, and Jeff was given special tours of the ship. He even got to lead the ship’s special Make-A-Wish walk with the captain while aboard.
“Everything was perfect,” said Jeff’s mother Jan, “it was so wonderful and relaxing.” “As parents, we’re constantly worried about Jeff,” she stated, “but Make-A-Wish took care of everything so that we didn’t have to worry. It was such a relief to get away as a family and spend time together.” Jeff’s favorite part of the trip was an excursion to the French island of Vila, where the family got to ride hot rod buggies through the bush country. “It was very muddy,” said Jan, “Jeff and his brother had a fun time driving around and splashing everyone with the mud.”
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich their lives with hope, strength and joy. For more than 25 years, the Foundation has worked with volunteers and generous supporters to share the power of a wish® with special children across the state. For more information or to find out how you can help, call 309.637.1659 or visit www.wishes.org.