Dreamer: Petronila, 59 Dream: To bring loved ones together for a farewell fiesta Dream #: 19,759
With your support,
Petronila and her family were able to commemorate their culture and love for each other.
Latest Tweets
[rotatingtweets screen_name=’dreamfound’]
Photos courtesy of Portraits for Causes
When Petronila, a widowed mother of four, moved to the U.S. from Mexico in 1993, she dedicated herself to giving her family a new life and better opportunities. Taking up a job as a housekeeper, Petronila worked tirelessly to provide for her children. Bertha, Petronila’s youngest daughter, describes her mother as “a strong woman and a hard worker.”
After being diagnosed with brain cancer, 59-year-old Petronila found she could no longer offer the support she longed to give her family. But with the help of her children, her local hospice and community, she was able to turn things around by bringing her loved ones together to celebrate life with a special family fiesta.
Forty family members and friends gathered at Petronila’s home to make her final dream come true. The festive gathering was filled with delicious Mexican cuisine, mariachi music, laughter and togetherness. Petronila truly received her celebration of life – una fiesta de la vida.
Dreams allow families like Petronila’s to see beyond illness and celebrate love, support and community. They enable lasting memories and cherished moments to be part of the journey until the very end.
Thank you for making dreams like Petronila’s come true.
Dreamer: Hilda, 99 Dream: To converse with those she loves once more Dream #: 21,569
With your help, Hilda’s quality of life is renewed and much improved.
Latest Tweets
[rotatingtweets screen_name=’dreamfound’]
Ninety-nine-year-old California resident Hilda has had difficulties hearing for almost 20 years. Even so, her friends and caregivers say she is a “source of love and light” to those around her.
When Hilda received a life expectancy of six months or less, her daughter and loved ones were determined to help her live out her final days with the gift of improved hearing. Hilda and her family approached Dream Foundation requesting a pair of hearing aids. According to the family, “Hilda tries to feel what we are saying, but to really hear what is going on around her would be such a gift!”
Hilda’s face lit up when she received her hearing aids. After two decades being 100 percent deaf in one ear and 95 percent deaf in the other, she was finally able to hear conversations clearly again. When the doctor asked her what time she woke up, she exclaimed without hesitation, “9:30!” When asked about the last time she ate ice cream, Hilda beamed and replied, “last week!”
Hilda is now able to hear even the faintest whisper and engages comfortably in conversation with those around her.
When one’s ability to meet his or her basic needs becomes out of reach, a dream that may seem simple in nature can have a tremendous impact. With your help, Hilda’s quality of life is renewed and much improved.
Thank you for making dreams like Hilda’s come true.
Dreamer: Mary, 60 Dream: To bring her family together one last time and present her grandson with a treasure Dream #: 21,196
With your support, Mary was able to reunite with her family at her bedside and present her grandson with a lasting token of her love.
Latest Tweets
[rotatingtweets screen_name=’dreamfound’]
Kim Therkildsen Photography
Mary was a dedicated mother of four and grandmother of eight. As she fought against end stage endometrial cancer and two brain tumors, she longed to reunite with her family one last time.
Mary dreamt of being able to attend her eldest grandson’s graduation, but knowing she may not make the milestone because of her limited prognosis, opted instead to celebrate by giving him a class ring. Dream Foundation procured the ring for Mary’s grandson and coordinated to bring Mary’s extended family to her bedside in her final days.
Although her strength weakened during their reunion, Mary glowed in the presence of her loved ones. She was able to present her grandson with the class ring, by which he will remember her. Mary passed away just three days later.
Even through their grief, her family will forever cherish the special memories they made during their time together. Everyone from the recent high school graduate to the youngest grandchild will have memories of a loving grandmother and an understanding of the importance of family.
Dreams allow families like Mary’s the chance to say their final goodbyes and share lasting memories. Bedside reunions can bring closure and comfort to both the dream recipient and his or her loved ones.
Thank you for making dreams like Mary’s come true.
It has been the dream of James “Jim” Malone to take his family on a trip to Washington D.C. for years. When Malone was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer, he thought that dream was over.
That was before MD Anderson Cancer Center helped Malone and his wife apply for the Dream Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to adults facing life-threatening illnesses.
Malone, a Veteran of the Navy, was informed that now that dream will come true.
“It feels really great because Jim is so proud of his service to his country.” Sheri Malone, Jim’s wife said. “He loves his country and it was great to see him honored for his service.”
The Dream Foundation was able to honor his wish, in part, because of his service in the Navy.
“I was honored to serve, it wasn’t my plan to get honored.” he said from a table in a Chandler Carl’s Jr.
Dream Foundation fulfills a dying wish for a Phenix City animal lover.
Reba Reeves, 86, is a resident of Parkwood Health Care on Stadium Drive and she is dying from heart disease.
Reba grew up in the country surrounded by animals. She says people and family tried to make a city girl out of her.
Sandra Jenkins with Parkwood Health Care says the animals have a magical affect on the residents.
“They love activities, they love people, they love the volunteers and of course they love the animals. It’s very important for them to get out and be active,” Sandra Jenkins said, with Parkwood Health Care.
The Dream Foundation fulfills more than 2500 dreams each year. Jubilee Farms in Opelika supplied the animals for Thursday’s event.
