For Beth Balthazor, the key to facing a grim diagnosis is a positive attitude.
The lifelong Anacortes resident began receiving treatment for metastatic lung cancer at Merle Cancer Center at Island Hospital about 14 months ago. She’s faced the entire process with a positive outlook, she said.
Staying positive got a little easier recently.
The Dream Foundation awarded her and her partner Martin Monahana a free trip to Disneyland.
Santa Barbara, California (CNN) — I first heard of Dream Foundation in 1997 when the charity requested a visit to Graceland for a dream recipient. After the visit, I received a thank-you note and photo of the dreamer in front of the Graceland gates. I was moved by her experience and decided I wanted to get more involved, so I picked up the phone to find out more about the foundation. I was absolutely mesmerized and instantly attached to their unique mission of granting wishes to adults with terminal illnesses.
When I was asked to be an ambassador and spokeswoman for the charity, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. How could I turn down such a great cause? I’ve been honored to travel and represent the organization across the country at special events and corporate meetings, as well as in public service announcements, television and print interviews.
Twin Falls, Idaho ( KMVT-TV / KSVT-TV ) A Twin Falls family is headed to Disneyland all because of the Dream Foundation and St. Luke’s Magic Valley.
Christina Varney was recently diagnosed with terminal breast cancer and is going through treatment.
The Dream Foundation is sending her and the family to Disneyland to create lasting memories.
“Christina has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and we don’t know how long she will be here. It is important for her and her daughter to do something from away from here and the hospital, and they can make some memories together,” said Melissa Rowe, St. Luke’s Magic Valley.
FLEMINGTON – A dream of “super” proportions is coming true for a Flemington woman with a potentially fatal illness.
Charlotte Dequina, 20, has a potentially fatal type of cancer that forms on the brain. She is still undergoing chemo and had to drop out of college last year.
Dequina will get a chance to forget about being sick as she attends the Super Bowl thanks to an organization called the Dream Foundation.
RARITAN TWP. — A terminally ill 20-year-old Raritan Township woman will attend the Super Bowl on Sunday, thanks to the Dream Foundation.
A native of the Philippines, Charlotte Dequina moved with her family to New Jersey when she was 4 and they moved to a house near Clover Hill here three years ago.
On moving to the Garden State, the family began a tradition of watching football. Charlotte was diagnosed with cancer her senior year of high school and currently has only six to 12 months to live, according to the foundation.