Top 5 Dream Requests from Dying Veterans
Dream Foundation in honor of Veterans Day releases list of specific dream requests in order of most often received
According to Dreams for Veterans, a program created in 2014 by the Dream Foundation to serve terminally ill veterans through the fulfillment of a final dream, the most common requests received include assistance with obtaining basic items intended to meet the veteran’s day-to-day needs, as well as facilitating fun family outings or gatherings. The following is a list of specific dream requests in order of most often received:
- Basic needs items (i.e. a working appliance, wheelchair ramp, hearing aid batteries or payment of a utility bill)
- Vacation with loved ones
- Family reunion
- Trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World
- Day out on the town
Other leading veterans’ dream requests include attending a sporting event or meeting a personal hero, such as a celebrity, professional athlete or well-known musician. Many dreams served through Dreams for Veterans include tailored elements intended to recognize these individuals’ former service and reconcile memories.
Dreams for Veterans program recipients are U.S. military veterans 18 years of age and over with a life expectancy of 12 months or less due to a terminal illness. Dream Foundation has served the final dreams of more than 700 veterans since its inception in 1994.
With no state or federal funding, Dream Foundation relies on a network of volunteers, sponsors and individual donors to support the work they do. For more information on Dreams for Veterans and to help serve final dreams for those who have served, visit dreamsforveterans.org.
BACKGROUND INFO
About Dream Foundation The only national dream-granting organization for adults, Dream Foundation enhances the quality of life for individuals and their families facing terminal illness. Dream recipients are those individuals who have been given a year or less life expectancy. Dreams range from basic needs items, like a working stove, to bedside reunions and meaningful experiences with children and loved ones. Founded in 1994, Dream Foundation serves more than 2,500 dreams each year and relies on a network of volunteers, sponsors and individual donors. For more information, visit www.dreamfoundation.org.
About Dreams for Veterans Dreams for Veterans is a program of Dream Foundation. Its mission is to serve those who have served by giving back to terminally ill veterans and their families through the fulfillment of a final dream. Having learned the importance of acknowledging veterans, honoring their service and sharing their personal stories, Dream Foundation created Dreams for Veterans in 2014 to effectively tailor the dream experience to veterans and their families. Dream recipients are U.S. military veterans 18 and over with a life expectancy of 12 months or less. For more information, visit dreamsforveterans.org.