Dude! He's Getting a Dell!

Submitted by Jenn Wagaman
Phone: (907) 474-6551
09/05/02

Although Allen Bradley’s new computer will be useful for tackling homework as a freshman at West Valley High School, he’s really excited about being able to connect with friends and explore the Web.

The 14-year-old Fairbanks teen, who is battling end stage renal disease, asked the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant his wish to have his very own computer. Little did Allen know that not only would he receive a top-of-the-line Dell and tons of accessories, but he’d get a computer enthusiast’s dream come trueƒan interactive, behind-the-scenes tour of the Arctic Region Supercomputing Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

ARSC operates five supercomputers, and during his tour Allen will be given an overview of supercomputers, why we have them, and how they work. Allen will also get a sneak peak at one of the ARSC’s most exciting 3-D design projects, the Body Language User Interface, which he’ll be able to test.

After the excitement at ARSC, Allen and his guests will be chauffered via limousine -- courtesy of the Regency Fairbanks Hotel -- to his favorite restaurant, the Pump House, for a late lunch. When Allen arrives at home, a Dell Dimension 4500S Desktop, Pentium 4 complete with internet access and Microsoft software, will be waiting for him.

Allen’s wish was granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation¬ of Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho and Washington, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Each year, hundreds of children throughout the Northwest receive a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For more information about the Foundation, including how you can help to share the power of a wish, " contact us at (877) 510-WISH, or visit our Web site. ARSC can be contacted through Jenn Wagaman, Public Affairs Coordinator, (907)474-6551 or wagaman@arsc.edu.