Wish Stories
We’ve granted over 3,300 wishes
Elaine and Barbara Experience Live Music Again
At Brookdale North Boynton Beach in Florida a friendship formed over a shared love of classical music. For Elaine Atlow, 80, and Barbara Walters, 94, music has had an immense impact on their lives but attending live musical performances has become more difficult as...
Mary Is Given A Special Gift
Mary, 84, from Brookdale Riverwalk, moved to Hollywood when she was only 5 years old. Mary was a child prodigy who played the piano. As a child, Mary played several roles in a variety of Hollywood films. Mary left her acting career behind her 9 years after moving to...
Mimi and Shirley Attend the Honda Classic Tournament That Leaves a Lasting Impression
Brookdale residents Shirley and Miriam “Mimi” share the passion of playing golf. Both Shirley and Mimi used to play golf, but no longer get to enjoy golf due to physical limitations. Being able to experience a golf tournament has brought back fond memories from their...
Hella Meets the Moscow Festival Ballet
Hella, 86, from Brookdale Freedom Pointe Clare Bridge, was born in Kiev, Russia in 1930. Hella started her training as a classical ballerina when she was eight years old. At the age of ten, Hella moved to Germany and danced professionally with a Berlin ballet troop...
Eusebia Reunites with her Family in Peru
Eusebia reconnects with loved ones and family in Peru after over 30 years apart for her Wish of a Lifetime experience.
After 74 Years, Lysle Sweeps Jayne Off Her Feet Again
Lysle Pietsch is a 94-year-old Air Force Veteran who saw active duty during his service in WWII. Beyond Lysle’s service to our country, he has created a wonderful life for his wife Jayne and his family. If you asked him what his most significant accomplishment was,...
Rose Gives Back to Her Family With a Night Filled With Laughter, Memories, and Of Course- Pasta
The gift of giving is all Rose wants. Rose, 83, from Denver, Colorado has always wanted to give back to her family for the ongoing and ceaseless support they have given her throughout her life. Rose is a musician at heart, and enjoyed playing the piano at her...
Carolyn Sees The Colts
As the NFL Colts were suiting up to take the field at the Lucas Oil Stadium against the Texans, Carolyn was putting on her favorite jersey- #12 Mr. Andrew Luck. Carolyn, 83, has always dreamed of attending an Indianapolis Colts game because she is a diehard Colts fan,...
Phyllis Watches The Kansas Jayhawks Dunk and Defeat The Montana Grizzlies
For over 50 years, Phyllis, 86, from Brookdale has been following the sport of Basketball. She loves watching one team in particular- the University of Kansas Jayhawks, which prompted her Wish of a Lifetime to attend a Jayhawks game with her beloved friend Eleanor....
Stanley Sees the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Stanley “Stan," 86, has been a musician since he was a child. At 5 years old, Stanley was learning how to play the piano for the first time. By the time he was 7 he was learning intricate pieces of music, and later he went on to become a, “baby prodigy." After only 7...
Nick Teaches A Ballroom Dance Class
Nick is known in his Brookdale community as the "dancing man." He relishes every opportunity to dance, and encourages others to do the same. He tried to teach the employees at his community how to ballroom dance, but they struggled to keep up with his advanced...
Virginia Visits California For The First Time
California dreams beckon many of us and seventy-two year old Virginia, a resident of Pittsburgh, PA is no exception. Virginia is a kindhearted, enthusiastic older adult who has felt the allure of California for years. She has dreamed of visiting and experiencing, for...
Phil Goes To OKC Thunder Basketball Game
Phil, 94, of Brookdale Oklahoma City West, is the epitome of a basketball fan. He makes sure to watch games whenever they are on television, and has been known to play under any conditions, even barefoot. He considers himself to be an OKC Thunder fanatic, but he has...
Lee Flies A Plane Again
94-year-old Lee Lanzen lives in the Westlake Village Brookdale community. He is a veteran who served in the Navy Air Corps for ten years, including several years during World War II. Lee flew a Corsair Fighter Aircraft for a short time, but due to his exemplary flying...
Sam Bakes A Pound Cake With A Purpose
90-year-old Sam utilizes his considerable baking skills for more than creating delicious treats. Ever since he mastered his lemon pound cake recipe, Sam has used his scrumptious baked goods to bring joy to others. Sam's Wish was to bake his delicious lemon pound cake...
