Dream Foundation Fulfills Young Woman’s Final Dream to Meet Make-up Artist, Bobbi Brown » Dream Foundation

News

Dream Foundation Fulfills Young Woman’s Final Dream to Meet Make-up Artist, Bobbi Brown

New York, NY – On April 7, 2010, Dream Foundation, the first national wish-granting organization for adults in the end stages of life, fulfilled Jettie Patton’s lifelong dream to meet celebrity make-up artist, Bobbi Brown.

Patton, a North Carolina native, spent three days in New York where she and her mother got a tour of the Bobbi Brown studios, received makeovers, participated in a professional photo shoot with famed photographer, Ben Ritter, and created their own signature lip glosses with Brown and her product development team.

“It is an honor for us to be part of this dream,” says Brown. “Our philosophy has always been that beauty is about feeling good and celebrating individuality. Jettie deserves to feel good. Her strength, courage and character should be celebrated. Her beauty is what inspires us,” adds Brown.

Although Patton felt slightly fatigued from her illness, photographer, Ben Ritter, said she was incredibly engaging and focused on gaining make-up tips from the ultimate pro. “It was so remarkable how Jettie literally LIT up on camera,” said Ritter. “I have never seen anything like it. Jettie was exactly where she belonged. She was smiling, having fun, posing, laughing,” he added.

Patton’s mother, Janice Patton, personally wrote to Dream Foundation in January with the 25-year-old’s dream to meet Brown. “She’s always been the type of girl who loves to get fixed up; loves make-up and clothes,” said Patton’s mother in her hand-written letter to Dream Foundation. “Before anything else happens, I would really appreciate it if you could grant Jettie some time where she can forget about all her aches and pains and just have fun,” she added.

Patton is no stranger to aches and pains. As a small child she faced liver disease. Although she remained under doctors’ care most of her life, Patton beat the odds with a successful liver transplant at the age of five. Nearly 20 years later, in 2008, doctors discovered a tumor on Patton’s brain stem. Her liver began to fail as a result. After a month in the hospital, Patton had to re-learn to walk, talk, and eat. While she has shown progress in her recent recovery, Patton’s doctors have given her a limited prognosis.

Dream Foundation Founder, Thomas Rollerson, reflects on Patton’s dream. “A woman in her twenties is typically preparing for her future career. Jettie’s full-time job has been battling brain cancer. We so appreciate Bobbi Brown, Ben Ritter, and our dream partners for allowing Jettie a chance to experience her dream job,” adds Rollerson.

Patton and her mother also got a private tour of the Elle Magazine offices and tickets to the Lion King show, where Patton was able to apply make-up on “Nala” and “Simba.” Sheraton New York donated a three-night stay and Judith Peterson of Bergdorf Goodman served as the Dream Foundation’s “Dream Host.”

This year, Dream Foundation will fulfill its 10,000th dream for adults battling life-threatening illnesses. As one of the only organizations that grants wishes to adults, its dream recipients are 18-years or older, have been given a year or less prognosis, and meet certain financial criteria – ensuring resources are allocated to those who would not otherwise be able to afford their dreams.

“By showcasing the beauty of Jettie and her final dream, we hope to generate more awareness of Dream Foundation’s mission – so that we can fulfill 10,000 more dreams in the years to come,” adds Rollerson.

ABOUT DREAM FOUNDATION’S 10,000 IN ’10 CHALLENGE
In 2010, 15 years after the fulfillment of its first dream, Dream Foundation will realize its 10,000th dream. In celebration of the 10,000 dream recipients – and their heartfelt final wishes – Dream Foundation is asking the national community to partake in the 10,000 in ‘10 challenge.

Honoring 10,000 fulfilled dreams, Dream Foundation is aiming to collect 10,000 gifts in 2010. Gifts can come by way of a contribution of $10 or more, 10,000 donated airline miles, 10 volunteer hours, and other “10-themed” gift options found on the Dream Foundation website at www.dreamfoundation.org.

“This is truly the best way we could honor our dream recipients,” says Rollerson. “Those who have had their dreams fulfilled are the most invested in seeing us to carry on our mission. So often we receive cards and humble donations from our dreamers beseeching us to help others. No one knows better the importance of the service we provide than they do,” adds Rollerson.

ABOUT DREAM FOUNDATION
The mission of Dream Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families battling life-threatening illness. With approximately 1,600 dream requests annually, Dream Foundation relies on donations of cash, airline miles and other resources to make many of their dreams come true. For more information visit www.dreamfoundation.org or call (805) 564-2131.

ABOUT BOBBI BROWN
Bobbi Brown first arrived on the beauty scene in 1991 with the launch of Bobbi Brown Essentials, 10 brown-based lipstick shades created to fill a void in the market of simple, flattering and wearable makeup. Bobbi’s unique approach to cosmetics was a long-awaited gift for women who wanted a more natural look, and therefore caught the attention of cosmetics empire Estée Lauder Companies, which acquired Bobbi Brown Cosmetics in 1995. Almost 20 years later, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has expanded beyond lipstick to a full range of color cosmetics, fragrance and skincare. Today, with a global presence in over 55 countries and 900 doors, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is coveted by world renowned makeup artists, celebrities and style makers for effortless yet beautiful makeup that meets the needs of women everywhere. Bobbi Brown remains one of the world’s most celebrated makeup artists.

Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up