Santa Barbara, Calif. January 29, 2020 –With a life expectancy of nine months, Jonathan, known as “Jef” by his friends, reached out to Dream Foundation, the only national organization that fulfils final Dreams for terminally-ill adults, for help in returning to Houston, TX, where he once lived, to say goodbye to a dear friend whom he has not seen in six years.

Thanks to Dream Foundation’s Sustaining Corporate Partner, Southwest Airlines, Jef will travel from North Carolina to Houston on February 6th. Accompanying Jef will be “Vanessa”, an eight-year-old Chihuahua and Jef’s greatest love. Jef took Vanessa in when she was just a few weeks old. They have been inseparable ever since, and Jef could not imagine traveling anywhere without her. Jef says, “She’s a real people person, my little Vanessa.” Dream Foundation has also arranged a four-night stay at a pet-friendly hotel in Houston for the two.

Despite his diagnosis, Jef’s spirit and Dreams have not been deterred. He embraces each day and every moment and is looking forward to his Dream trip. “It will be nice to take my mind off everything, see my friend after all these years and meet her now husband,” Jef tells Dream Foundation.

Says Kisa Heyer, CEO of Dream Foundation, “Many people ask us for help in seeing the people who matter most to them so that they can say goodbye. Dreams like this really do bring comfort and closure when it’s most needed, and Dream recipients also tell us that it gives them a much-needed break from what can otherwise feel like an endless round of medical treatments.

Dream Foundation will celebrate Jef’s final Dream at an intimate and joyful gathering, on Friday, January 31. Kimberly Yingst, a representative from Genentech, one of Dream Foundation’s Mission Corporate Partners, will host.

Press are invited to attend this North Carolina Dream Delivery. Address will be provided upon confirmation of attendance.

About Dream Foundation
Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults, fulfills final Dreams that provide inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, health care organizations and committed donors, Dream Foundation has given life to more than 32,000 final Dreams over the last twenty-six years. Dream Foundation receives no state or federal funding—we rely solely on private donations. To support our mission please visit DreamFoundation.org/donate.

For additional information, please contact Dani Cordaro at dani@dreamfoundation.org