Susan, 67, of Sterling House Richmond of Richmond, IN, has always had a deep appreciation and love for music. There is one group in particular that Susan has always loved – the Boston Pops. It is her Wish of a Lifetime to attend Boston’s 4th of July festivities where she can celebrate our country while Boston Pops play their famous pieces.
Susan’s love of the group started when she was playing in her high school’s band. She was a saxophone player and had big dreams of joining the Boston Pops one day. Sadly, at the age of 16, she was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis. By the time her 17th birthday came her hands were so damaged that she could no longer hold an instrument. She hasn’t been able to play since those days; however, her love of music and the Boston Pops has never faded. It is now her dream to see them perform 1812 Overture in person so she may experience the song the way the composer had intended – complete with cannons and church bells.
Susan has done many hours of volunteer work with disabled groups and rehabilitation centers. When she was a Master’s student, she took it upon herself to be a voice for other disabled students and made sure that the university took action to accommodate them better. Later on, she volunteered for the VA and helped disabled veterans cope with their disabilities.
Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale Senior Living partnered to send Susan to Boston from July 2-5, 2013. With the help of Boston’s 4th of July event committee, Susan received VIP seats for her and her cousin, Kathy, for the Boston Pops Orchestra concert on July 3rd. Susan had an incredible time and said that it was better than she could have ever imagined in her wildest dreams. Everyone in Boston was so nice to her and she even got to meet the conductor of the Boston Pops.
