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Dream Foundation To Fulfill Former Marine’s Final Patriotic Dream

Washington, D.C. – On May 14, 2010, Dream Foundation, the first national wish-granting organization for adults in the end stages of life, will fulfill Julian Galindo’s lifelong dream to watch the Marine Corps Evening Parade and Silent Drill performance at the nation’s oldest Marine Post, Marine Barracks (8th and I) in Washington DC.

Galindo, a Nebraska resident, served in the Marine Corps from 1977 through 1997. At 50 years of age, he suffers from Progressive Supernuclear Palsy, a rare degenerative disease that causes deterioration of certain areas of the brain. His doctors have given him a limited prognosis.

Last month, Galindo wrote to Dream Foundation with his dream and his reason behind it. “Being a defender of the constitution for many years has whetted my desire to see the Evening Parade in the nation’s capital,” said Galindo. “This trip will make that possible and help me to enjoy patriotism at its best,” he added.

Dream Foundation is sending Galindo and his wife, Vicky Galindo, to Washington DC for three nights, from May 12 – May 15. Their visit will include a special 3-hour tour of the monuments, memorials, White House, and Capital building. On Friday, May 14, Galindo and his wife will be the personal guests of Captain Stephen Reiff (Assistant Operations Officer, Marine Barracks Washington) at the Evening Parade, considered the most dramatic military celebration in the nation. The Evening Parade will include a performance of music and precision marching, featuring “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own,” The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.

According to Galindo, not only will the Washington DC trip fulfill a lifelong dream, it will allow him to spend quality time with his wife away from hospital rooms and treatments. “Since our time together is limited, I would like to take my wife on one last vacation so that she will have some pleasant memories to look back on when our time together on this earth is past,” said Galindo.

Dream Foundation Founder, Thomas Rollerson, reflects on Galindo’s dream. “Every dream that come through our doors is important and vital to the family it serves,” said Rollerson. “As a longtime defender of the freedoms we all enjoy, Julian’s dream carries significant meaning. His service and legacy deserves to be celebrated at this patriotic event. We are honored to be able to serve him,” added Rollerson.

The Galindos will be hosted at L’Enfant Plaza Hotel with Dream Foundation providing airfare and securing tours.

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.

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.

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