12-Year-Old Boy Living With Rare Blood Disease Gets Dream Trip to Hawaii to See Volcanoes

PENNSYLVANIA — A 12-year-old boy living with sickle cell disease has experienced an unforgettable birthday adventure after a special wish allowed him to travel to Hawaii and witness the volcanoes he had dreamed of seeing.

Trey Robertson, from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, celebrated his birthday in September with a family trip arranged through Make-A-Wish. His remarkable experience was featured in a PEOPLE report published on October 16, 2026.

A Young Boy With an Extraordinary Passion

While many children dream of meeting celebrities or visiting amusement parks, Trey had a different wish: he wanted to see real volcanoes.

The young geology enthusiast had developed a fascination with these powerful natural formations and hoped to learn more about them firsthand.

His interest was not limited to seeing something spectacular. Trey also wanted to share what he learned with others.

Living With Sickle Cell Disease

Trey lives with sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells and can cause painful episodes and other serious health complications.

Managing the condition can involve ongoing medical care and challenges that affect everyday childhood experiences.

Through Make-A-Wish, Trey was given the opportunity to enjoy an extraordinary adventure with his loved ones.

A Birthday Adventure in Hawaii

In September, Trey traveled to Hawaii with his blended family of six, where they visited Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The journey gave him the chance to experience the volcanic landscape he had previously admired from afar.

For Trey, seeing volcanic activity in person was an especially memorable part of the experience.

He told PEOPLE that he wanted to learn about volcanoes so he could teach other people about them.

A Wish That Became a Family Memory

Beyond fulfilling Trey’s personal dream, the trip allowed his family to spend meaningful time together away from the routines associated with managing a chronic medical condition.

His story illustrates how a child’s curiosity can turn a special wish into an opportunity for discovery, learning and shared family experiences.

For Trey, the adventure was more than a birthday vacation. It was a chance to see something he had long imagined and return home with knowledge and memories to share.

Source: PEOPLE, October 16, 2026. Seventh Grader with Rare Disease Gets Magical Birthday Trip to See Volcanoes with His Family.