The crack of the bat, followed by cheers from the crowd… the smell of popcorn and hot dogs… and the bond created through celebrating with family after every win. These are some of Judith’s most cherished summer memories, growing up in New Jersey as a New York Yankees fan. It was a passion she inherited from her father and passed on to her own children and grandchildren.
Always an active parent, Judith’s energy for all the experiences that make up an East Coast summer extended far beyond the ballpark.
“Growing up, my mom made every summer feel like a dream,” remembered her daughter, Jillian. “The day school let out, we would pack up and head to the beach. We would walk along the shore looking for sea glass and seashells. We would play mini-golf and swim in the lagoon at night. Looking back, I realize how much love and effort my mom put into making our summers unforgettable.”
Retirement adventures
Years later, when her children were grown and her husband, Robert, was retired, Judith was still all-in on adventure. She and Robert bought an RV, moved to Florida, and were looking forward to all they could see and do in their new stage of life.
Although living far from her beloved New York Yankees, the freedom of retirement seemed to elevate her fandom to another level. The couple would drive hours in their RV to watch the Yankees’ spring training and attend games at different stadiums.
And when she couldn’t be there in person, Judith still would never miss a game, often yelling at the television and discussing her favorite players. “She’s so invested in the team and the players and likes to see the young players come up through the organization,” Jillian said.
The diagnosis that changed everything
Just a few years into what she thought would be a long, active retirement, Judith started experiencing falls. She was eventually diagnosed with ALS—a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As the nerve cells in the spinal cord degenerate, scarring or sclerosis occurs in the body. Voluntary muscle function is affected, and people with ALS may lose their ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe.
Judith’s condition worsened quickly after her diagnosis. She lost her ability to walk, and her speech became more difficult. Except for going out to doctor’s appointments with Robert or occasional shopping trips with her daughter, Judith rarely leaves her home.
“My mom feels like she has been robbed of her life. She went from being a confident and active person to basically being homebound in a brief period. The mental and emotional toll this has taken on her is just as serious as the physical challenges she is experiencing,” Jillian explained.
As medical bills from Judith’s condition piled up, along with the exhaustion that comes from added caregiving, the family had no extra money for experiences like Yankees games. Jillian longed to give her mom one last chance to root for her favorite team in person with her family by her side, while honoring her for the amazing mother that she is.
“Yankees games are the only thing she still gets excited about,” Jillian said. Wish of a Lifetime from AARP jumped at the chance to provide this opportunity for Judith.
Out to the ballgame
Judith had not been back to Yankee Stadium for five years before Wish of a Life from AARP worked with Avis to craft a once-in-a-lifetime experience where she could enjoy all the sights, sounds, and feelings of the game. The event started with a visit to Monument Park, a museum at the stadium where fans can pay tribute to Yankee legends, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, and Derek Jeter.
Watching the game alongside her family in a suite donated by Avis, Judith got VIP treatment. She received Yankees gear, catered food, and even a memorable trip to home plate, during which the crowd erupted in cheers for Judith following an announcement. “This was the first time we ever had box seats,” Judith said. “It is a whole different perspective!”
After Judith was celebrated on the field, had her image broadcast on the Jumbotron, and returned to her seat, Yankees General Manager and Senior Vice President Brian Cashman came to the suite to greet Judith in person and give her family the chance to see his World Series championship ring. Robert even got to put on the ring. “That topped it off… my grandsons, 15 and 12, were so excited!” Judith said.
“My mom was on cloud nine… she couldn’t believe it,” Jillian added. “It all worked out so perfectly.”
During a time of life when Judith’s disease has been difficult for the entire family to endure, the chance to get back to the ballgame brought a sense of hope and raised Judith’s spirits, even as her disease advances.
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