Brent received his Wish of a Lifetime when he finally returned to Southern California to visit the happiest place on Earth, Disneyland. Though Brent calls Klamath Falls home, he is originally from Southern California, and longed to return to see old friends and revisit the beloved amusement park where he made so many fond memories. Brent is a driven and compassionate individual who has refused to let his physical disabilities diminish his desire to help others.
Brent is a two-time Volunteer of the Year in Klamath Falls and seeks to help out around his community in any way he can. Though diabetes has taken a toll and he’s now a double amputee, he delivers mail throughout the community. He also takes bagel orders from staff every day and delivers them personally the following day. Each bagel that Brent sells raises funds for the American Cancer Society through the Vital Life Foundation’s Vital Volunteers program. To date, his sales have helped raise more than $4,000 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. He is an avid supporter of other charities run through the community including Meals on Wheels and has been raising more funds year after year.
Brent’s wish was fulfilled through a partnership between the nonprofit Wish of a Lifetime and the Portland-based nonprofit the Vital Life Foundation. The Vital Life Foundation’s “New Chapters” program encourages Marquis and Consonus staff to help older adults in their communities achieve their goals and dreams. “We were thrilled to honor Brent through our New Chapters program with a memorable trip to California,” said Ann Adrian, Executive Director of the Vital Life Foundation. “Brent is truly a valued member of our Marquis Family. His long-time contributions as a Vital Volunteer in the Klamath Falls community are most honorable.” Brent’s dedication to giving back motivated the staff at his community, Marquis Plum Ridge, to make Brent’s Wish of a Lifetime a reality.
On September 24th, after he completed the morning’s bagel deliveries, Brent headed back to Southern California for four days of quality time with his childhood friends. Brent spent a day at Disneyland, and took in a game of his favorite baseball team, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. It was a once in a lifetime and well-earned experience made possible through the support of Wish of a Lifetime, the Vital Life Foundation, and the staff at Marquis Plum Ridge.
