Junior catches his wish with fishing trip

Junior Richard Staelin will be treated to an all-expenses paid deep-sea fishing trip courtesy of the Make-A-Wish foundation.

The nonprofit organization accepted Staelin’s application and is currently working out the details in order to provide him with what he hopes to be an “epic fishing trip.”

“I love what he has come up with,” Julie Lowe, Wish Granter at the Make-A-Wish foundation, said of Staelin’s excursion. “It’s going to be a unique trip.”

The Make-A-Wish foundation is based in Arizona, but Staelin’s wish is being handled by the Eastern North Carolina branch.

The foundation is centered around giving children with life-threatening illnesses memorable trips of their choice, in order to help them take their minds off of everything they are going through.

The foundation chooses children based on recommendations, and makes decisions depending on the severity of their conditions.

“My mom registered me,” Staelin said. “[Make-A-Wish] looked over my file to see if I was qualified and I was.”

Make-A-Wish foundation Wish Granters create and facilitate trips for children ranging from the

ages of two-and-a-half to 18 years old.

“We do not focus only on terminal illnesses,” Lowe said. “It must be a condition that is life-threatening at that moment.”

Lowe and Staelin are still working together to plan the trip, but it will definitely feature deep sea fishing.

“So far, the biggest thing I have caught is an 80-pound stingray. I am just looking for a typical Florida fishing trip with more big game,” Staelin said.

The trip will be completely paid for by donations to the non-profit organization.

Lowe is excited to work with Staelin to grant his special wish.

“I have worked with many different kids with many different wishes,” Lowe said. “It is great to do something fun for these children.”

Besides a trophy fish, Staelin also wants something less tangible from his trip.

“I hope to get an experience I have always wanted,” Staelin said. “I want my family and me to do something together that we will all enjoy.”

#makeawish