Hong Kong Airlines’ partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation spreads its wings
In 2018, Hong Kong Airlines partnered with Make-A-Wish BC and Yukon to help terminally ill children accomplish their dreams. This year, one Vancouverite’s wish to travel to Asia is finally becoming reality. Kathy Tran, a 17-year-old teen who has been fighting lymphoma, will fly to Hong Kong and then Tokyo with her family.
“Flight costs associated with granted wishes are a big expense for us,” says Ross Hetherington, CEO, Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon. “The generosity of Hong Kong Airlines, who [covered] the costs for Kathy and her family to travel first to Hong Kong and then on to Tokyo, is significant, and deeply appreciated.”
Tran was first diagnosed with lymphoma in 2018 and underwent difficult treatment for five months. “It will soon be one year since my treatment has ended. Having a granted wish will mean the end of my cancer journey and the start of a new one, with many more adventures for me to experience!” she says. The Tran family was given a surprise upgrade to Business Class on the Vancouver-Hong Kong leg of their journey, before continuing on to Tokyo. On the day of their departure, Hong Kong Airlines and Make-A-Wish will host a send-off at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Before the Trans kicked off their much-awaited international trip, Hong Kong Airlines Director of Corporate Governance and Development Ricky Chong said: “Knowing that we [were] able to help Miss Tran’s wish come true is very heartwarming. We are very pleased that our partnership with Make-A-Wish truly [made] a wish take flight. We are happy to be able to give the gift of hope and create memorable travel experiences for our community.”