Dream Foundation serves terminally-ill adults and their families by providing end-of-life Dreams that offer inspiration, comfort and closure. Project Fi’s generous support has enabled Dream Foundation to fulfill a number of final Dreams throughout 2017. We are delighted to bring you these stories of Dreams fulfilled by Dream Foundation thanks to Project Fi’s support in celebration of this holiday season.
December 29, 2017
Craig dreamed of a visit from his daughter Hulva and grandson Craig who currently live in Maine. He writes, “More than anything I wish to bring my daughter and grandson back out to California for one last visit.” Dream Foundation provided Craig’s family members with two round trip flights and assistance with traveling expenses and meals. Craig and his fiancé surprised his family by getting married while they were there. Craig’s grandson was the best man.
December 28, 2017
When John ‘Jack’’s wife Peggy is not visiting, he spends almost all of his time keeping in touch with family, friends and his church through his social media accounts. In the last few months, Jack’s finger control has begun to slip away and it has become a struggle for him to use his laptop. Dream Foundation arranged for Jack to have a head controlled mouse to keep him connected. Peggy says, “Thank you so much, he really appreciates it. He’s learning it.” Kelly, his social worker, writes, “Thank you so much for making his life a little more wonderful and keeping him connected to his friends and family with this amazing gift!”
December 27, 2017
“Before I become too sick to do so. I just want to take my kids to Nashville to make some memories one last time.” Lindsey wrote to us. Dream Foundation arranged a two- night stay in two rooms at the Westin Nashville. Afterwards, Linsdey writes, “We went to a baseball game, ate at the swankiest/yuppiest restaurants, went to the science center, played laser tag, went swimming and explored parts of the city the kiddos hadn’t been to….
Saying thank you doesn’t seem adequate.”
December 26, 2017
Elke dreamed of being able to return some of the love that she has been shown by the hospice staff who have cared for her. She writes, “They have become my family too. I get help all the time, hugs and kisses, and I just love them so much.” Elke thought it would be fun to have a few touches of Las Vegas, where she had lived for quite a long time, at the party. Dream Foundation arranged for a Vegas inspired party to be thrown for Elke and the people who had grown to mean so much to her.
December 25, 2017
Jenny and family had already planned a bucket list trip to Hawaii, and Dream Foundation helped them with funds and arranged a special snorkel tour for the whole family. Her sister writes, “Jenny loves the beach. She has never been to Hawaii, and has it at the top of her bucket list…” After the trip she writes, “Hawaii was great! We went snorkeling, drove the road to Hana, saw a sunset at the summit of Haleakala (10,000 ft. high!), went to a luau, and hiked to some fresh water waterfalls and pools…Thank you so much for all the help you gave us.”
December 23, 2017
Ron told his wife Lynne that he would like to see the ocean one more time and stay in a room where he could walk right on to the beach. Dream Foundation arranged for Ron and Lynne to stay for four nights at the Song of the Sea Resort on Sanibel Island, in a room by the waves, with round-trip flights. Afterwards, Lynne writes, “…we are oh, so grateful for the experience!”
December 22, 2017
Joan writes, “My Dream was to be able to play with my grandchildren in the park and to walk with them. It is my Dream to have the park come to them in the way of a “Play Fort” in our backyard. This would be a legacy left to my grandchildren to always remember me, to know I love them with my whole heart.”
December 21, 2017
“I was 18 when I was told I had a terminal illness; it’s not what you’d expect and it’s been one weird thing after another. You don’t expect to have emergency brain surgery or seizures, and it’s really hard to accept that you can’t do the things you want to do…I don’t like to think about not being able to do the things I want in the future, but I have a life limit on me.” Dream Foundation arranged for Willow to visit New Orleans.
December 20, 2017
Louis (Lou) dreamed of introducing his children, Audrey and Robert, to family in Connecticut who had never met them. He became unable to make the trip, so Dream Foundation arranged for his family from both Idaho and Connecticut to visit. Kathy writes, “Words can’t express our gratitude to the Foundation for enabling our family to travel from Idaho and join us in Portland. Lou’s sister, Lisa, also flew out from Connecticut…. Thank you again for helping us to come together!” Lou’s ex-wife also wrote to us, saying, “Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for helping us be able to say goodbye.”
December 19, 2017
Every year, Robert and his wife entertained 14 grandchildren for a weekend with fun, games and family time at an event they nicknamed Cousins Camp. When he became unable to host the event as usual, his wife contacted Dream Foundation for help. Dream Foundation helped create 16 personalized shirts and flew in the grandchildren from all over America to the hospital where Robert was staying to continue the tradition.
December 18, 2017
“It would mean so much to be able to see him graduate Rutgers University.” Debra dreamed of attending her son’s graduation, so Dream Foundation arranged for her to stay in New Jersey for five nights and paid for gas so that she could get there. Her family writes, “To see the look of joy and pride on her face as her son’s name was called for him to receive his diploma was a true joy.”
December 16, 2017
Nancy dreamed of seeing her grandson again. She’d helped raise him before circumstances overtook the family and he was adopted at 3 years old. She writes, “I’ve waited so long to see him again and now I am not sure how much longer I will have to make my dream come true.” With additional thanks to the Westin Minneapolis, Dream Foundation arranged for an all-expenses paid round trip and a stay in a beautiful suite so that she could see her grandson just in time for the holidays.
December 15, 2017
Amy, Malia’s social worker, contacted Dream Foundation to tell us that Malia dreamed of reuniting with her son, Preston. Dream Foundation arranged for a next day round trip flight for Preston and a one-way ticket for his fiancé. Afterwards, Amy writes, “He had about a day and a half of conversations where she was really aware that he was there, to love him and have meaningful conversations … It was one of the most extraordinary things I have seen here.”
December 14, 2017
Abby always dreamed of going to Alaska, and had the chance to stay with a friend while she was there. Dream Foundation arranged for a round trip flight to Anchorage and helped her with the cost of boarding her dog for a week while she was away. Abby writes, “Thank you doesn’t seem to be nearly enough for the experience you provided me with. Alaska was always such a far-fetched dream for me and I’ll be eternally grateful that you made it possible.”
December 13, 2017
Tampa Bay Lightning hockey fan Hope writes, “I love hockey. It would be so nice to see the Lightning play.” Dream Foundation arranged for Hope and her father James to watch her favorite team play the Penguins. She also received an autographed jersey from her favorite player, Victor Hedman, a gift card to dine at the Monterey Bay Fish Grotto and town car service to make getting around easier. Hope says, “We had a great time at Monterey Bay. They treated us like royalty! … The game was great. Nice seats four rows up from center ice, behind visitor’s penalty box. I really appreciate what everyone has done for me!”
December 12, 2017
The previous summer made Linda’s home so hot that she was afraid she would have a stroke. Dream Foundation arranged for her to receive an air conditioner. Says Linda, “The air conditioner is so wonderful. I’ve never had anyone be so nice to me. This has really been special and uplifting. It has made me feel a lot better than I have been. You guys are great. You have no idea what this has done for me—I have a feeling I’m going to live through the summer! I can’t tell you how much you’ve changed my life. Thank you so much.”
December 11, 2017
Adopted Pamella dreamed of finding her birth mother. Dream Foundation helped her find her family. Pamella’s daughter told us, “…we found a half sister and a whole bunch of family…The emotions are unexplainable. Peace has been found within two sets of families. Most questions have been put to rest…We have been more than blessed to have met such amazing people. People we can now call family!”
December 9, 2017
“I would like to see my sick ailing father. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the finances to travel to see him as he lives in Sweetwater, TX. I haven’t had much to look forward to lately, but this could change that for me!” Dream Foundation made it possible for Dreamer Wendy to visit her father.
December 8, 2017
“I have pushed through pain, fear, anxiety, sadness and nausea all to ensure I have one more milestone with my beautiful children; one more Christmas; one more birthday, one more chaotic day chasing my twins down the hallway.” Dream Foundation arranged for Erica to have 17 tickets to Disneyland where she spent the day surrounded by the people who meant the most to her.
December 7, 2017
“All I want to do is to watch shows on TV like CSI…When my family isn’t here, I have my TV to keep me company.” Mary’s nursing home lacks funding to provide Mary with a TV. Dream Foundation arranged for her to receive a smart TV and wireless headphones so that she could keep up with her favorite shows.
December 6, 2017
Susan dreamed of celebrating her 100th birthday with friends and family. Dream Foundation arranged for her to have a party with custom favors and a photographer to capture the event.
December 5, 2017
“All I think about is Build-a-Bear.” Dream Foundation arranged for Jane to tour the World Bearquarters in St. Louis, where she sat with designers to look at new products before going on a shopping spree at a nearby Build-a-Bear Workshop.
December 4, 2017
“I have been a Raiders Fan since I was a little kid, I watch every game on TV. It has always been my dream to see a game in person.” Alexandra dreamed of attending a Raiders football game with her family. With additional thanks to the Raiders Organization, Dream Foundation arranged for Alex and her 11 family members to watch a Raiders vs. Seahawks game from the VIP Suite and four Sideline passes.
December 2, 2017
Poet Elizabeth wanted to see her verses in print. Dream Foundation arranged for her to receive 175 beautifully bound copies of her book From the First Foot to the Last Breath, illustrated with artwork by her late husband.
Here is a verse from a section called Musings.
So much to see, so much to know
books to read, places to go
rivers to swim, mountains to climb
and too little time
too little time.
December 1, 2017
Linda dreamed of a family reunion. Dream Foundation arranged for 17 of Linda’s family members to gather in a Montecito beach house in August on the world-famous Californian coast, fortified with ingredients for dinner and dessert, 17 admission tickets to the magical Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens, dinner for nine at the Hitching Post II and a photographer to capture the event.
Give life to final Dreams like these by donating to Dream Foundation now.
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