JoAnne, 67, of Brookdale Towson in Baltimore, MD, is a lively, youthful older adult who loves country music. JoAnne has been a fan of country music singer Luke Bryan for eight years but had never seen him perform live. She feels a deep connection to his music and said that it has helped her overcome obstacles she’s faced in her life. Seeing Luke Bryan perform live would be JoAnne’s ultimately Wish of a lifetime.
JoAnne has a passion for helping others. She spent 30 years as a Baltimore county school teacher teaching various ages of special education, which she found to be incredibly fulfilling work. She also tutored children in reading and math. In addition, she lectured and volunteered at her church for almost twenty years. She serves as an ambassador at Brookdale, where she helps new residents acclimate to the community. In her spare time, she stays very active with her religion as a devout Catholic and attends church once a month when she is able to find the necessary transportation.
Unfortunately, JoAnne was diagnosed with cancer in the last year and has been receiving treatment as a result. During her chemotherapy treatments, she enjoys listening to Luke Bryan as it lifts her spirits and helps her maintain a positive attitude. JoAnne admires Luke’s faithfulness and love for his wife, his humility when he wins an award and how appreciative he is for what he has and everything he has accomplished. Despite all of the obstacles JoAnne has faced including living with cerebral palsy, she maintains a bright, optimistic outlook on life.
Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale were thrilled to turn JoAnne’s dream into a reality. On April 8th, 2016, JoAnne and her sister Linda were picked up from Brookdale Towson and taken to Royal Farms Arena, for what turned out to be one of the most special days of her life. Before the concert, the two of them got to meet Luke Bryan, who even signed JoAnne’s t-shirt and took a photo with her. “It was a fantastic performance, and I had a moment with Luke Bryan that I will never forget,” said JoAnne. “I just don’t know how to put it into words,” she continued. JoAnne sends a “great big heartfelt thank you” to Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale for fulfilling her Wish of a Lifetime.
