Wish Stories
We’ve granted over 3,300 wishes
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...
Joy Visits Hershey’s Chocolate World
Joy Smith, 79, is extraordinarily resilient. She and her siblings grew up in a children’s home after they were separated from their parents and while her childhood was difficult, she considers her upbringing to have been a “blessing.” Joy views the children’s home as...
Art Celebrates His Service In A Parade
70- year-old Art is a Viet Nam Veteran, who completed two and a half tours with the US Army. His Wish of a Lifetime was to participate in a parade where he could proudly represent America by waving an American Flag. Art was raised by his foster mother,...
Lt. Raymond Cosgrove Flies In A C-45 Beechcraft
Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Cosgrove selflessly served our country for twenty-three years as a pilot in the Air Force. He flew a staggering 1,065 missions while stationed in Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, given for...
Deborah Visits The Ocean
Deborah is a youthful 67-year-old with a zest for life and a passion for the ocean. She has not seen the ocean in twenty-five years, but her recent health struggles have reignited her desire to be by the sea. In February of 2015, Deborah was diagnosed with cancer....
