Celebrating our 2500th wish
Since 2008, we’ve been changing the story of aging, one wish at a time.
“We’re out there trying to imagine a world where loved ones are always connected, where service is never forgotten, and where people are really empowered to age with joy and purpose.” –Tom Wagenlander, Vice President and Executive Director
In 2023, fifteen years later, we celebrated the granting of our 2500th wish!
Angeline, 67
Experienced our nation's capital
James, 97
Recognized as 1949 Top Gun winner
Helen, 90
Visited the Denver Art Museum
Jack, 96
Took flight in a fighter jet
Judi, 81
Rode in a Formula 1 Pace Car
Angel, 87 & Maria, 85
Siblings reunited after 28 years
Dorothy, 72
Spent quality time with family
Mona, 80
Learned how to dance ballet
What wish will be next?
Share a life-changing wish! Download our Wish Guide to learn how to submit your wish or nominate someone in your life.
wishes celebrating passions
From performing a solo and making art with friends to riding a Harley and recording a song in Nashville!
lifelong dreams fulfilled
From skydiving and seeing the Statue of Liberty to driving a tractor and attending Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
loved ones reconnected
From meeting a great-granddaughter for the first time and reuniting best friends to reconnecting an estranged father with his son.
commemorations of service
From receiving recognition as Veterans and visiting places with special histories to paying respect to those who’ve passed.
Celebrating our 2500th wish: Howard’s second act
Howard quietly came out in his 20s but lived most of his life feeling trapped by low self-esteem. But in his late 50s, he discovered theater and began to find confidence in himself with the support of his local community.
Howard’s newfound confidence has helped him fully express who he is at age 74—and take center stage on Broadway!
As we age, we can thrive. Do you know a wish story that would inspire others? Learn how to share it in our wish guide below.
“I grew up as an introvert with no guts, nothing. This [wish] has actually changed my life in a positive manner that I can be with people and not be afraid. No matter what happens in my life, I will only grow, and Wish of a Lifetime has added to that ability.”
— Howard, 74
2500th Wish Recipient
Help us grant more wishes
Now with over 2,900 wishes granted, we continue to help Americans reconnect with loved ones, fulfill lifelong dreams, commemorate service, and reignite their passions.
Help us continue granting wishes! Join our network and learn how to submit a wish in the guide below.
Join us in celebrating aging!
Together, we can grant more wishes to help older adults find new passions and connections that will help them to live more vibrant and purposeful lives.
