Bellefonte teen beats leukemia, celebrates with dream fishing trip from Make-A-Wish

Bellefonte teen Rees Stewart celebrated beating leukemia this fall with a dream fishing trip from Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

In August 2024, 14-year-old Rees was diagnosed with leukemia and spent six months at the hospital while he received treatment including chemotherapy. With his family by his side, he also received the support of the Bellefonte community. More than $10,000 was raised through a GoFundMe campaign, and he was a beneficiary of the 19th annual Herbie’s Home “Town Loop.”

On April 18, Rees beat his leukemia and rang the bell to mark the end of his treatment. The avid outdoorsman and fishing enthusiast celebrated in September with the help of Make-A-Wish. The nonprofit granted Rees’ wish to visit the Outer Banks for a 12-hour, deeper sea fishing charter.

The family caught 33 fish during the daylong adventure. In a press release, Rees’ mother Amanda Love called it a “perfect day.”

“We all had an amazing day at sea,” she said. “[Rees] deserves the best after the year he has had.”

For more information about Make-A-Wish and how to help, visit wish.org/greaterpawv/punxy.