Program again fulfills kids’ wishes

Jesse Albrechtson recalls sitting on the sidelines at Game 6 of the NBA Finals in Miami in June, watching the players warm up and getting an up-close view of some of his favorite stars in action.

"It was 10 times louder than TV," said the 13-year-old Kurtistown resident. "We took lots of pictures … (and) have lots of good memories to cherish. I’ll never forget that trip."

Making memories for severely ill children like Albrechtson, who has leukemia, and his parents is why a group of Hawaii County firefighters, their families and friends started A Dream Come True in 1985. Led by Nelson Tsuji and Lawrence Balberde, the nonprofit’s fundraising over the years enabled the group to fulfill the wishes of 67 Big Island children who asked for everything from bicycles and toys to trips.

But in 2004, the organization went dormant after the retirement of key people who were running the program.

The group’s current president, former assistant fire chief Lloyd Narimatsu, is now a pastor at Heritage Christian Fellowship. He said old and new supporters decided to revive the program this year and resumed fundraising. Children are referred to A Dream Come True by hospices on the island and Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children.

"We see the people in need. We (the Fire Department) run all of the medical services and feel a need to help these kids," Narimatsu said. "Since we reorganized, we’re going full steam ahead. We’re trying to re-establish ourselves in the community."

Jesse was diagnosed with leukemia at age 3. After being in remission for five years, the cancer returned in January 2012. The teen is undergoing an aggressive course of chemotherapy in Hono­lulu, with weekly treatments over five weeks alternating with five-week breaks to recuperate.

His father, Allyn "Kip" Albrechtson, a Hawaii County firefighter, says the Florida trip was "a dream come true for the entire family." They spent four days in Orlando visiting Disney World and shopping for Miami Heat merchandise before driving to Miami for the big game, he said.

"We had a great time. We were about 10 to 15 feet away from all of the stars. It was one of the best games in finals history."

Albrechtson said the best part of the trip was that it allowed Jesse to be a kid without the heavy burden of dealing with his disease.

"It really took his mind off things," he said.

Jesse agreed it was "really cool" experience.

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For information on A Dream Come True call 961-3959 or email adct.bigisland@gmail.com. Donations may be sent to: A Dream Come True, 165 E. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720.