Wish Stories
We’ve granted over 3,300 wishes
Marjorie Takes to the Sky
Marjorie H., 93, of Brookdale University Park, has a passion for hot air balloons. Marjorie has always wanted to go up in a hot air balloon and get a bird’s eye view of the land. Marjorie was supposed to ride in a hot air balloon for her 80th Birthday, however the...
Journey of Heroes Fall 2014
On October 20th, 2014, ten veterans representing the Vietnam War, Korean War, and WWII traveled to our nation’s capital to see the memorials built in their honor. This was Wish of a Lifetime and The Vital Life Foundation’s third Journey of Heroes trip, an experience...
Juanita Rides in a Hot Air Balloon
Juanita B., 88, of Glenwood Gardens in Bakersfield, California is a dedicated mother with an extensive background in mission work. Juanita has used her experiences with her mission work to drive her desire to overcome any fears or obstacles that she may encounter in...
John Meets Robin Roberts
John W, 70, is a retired police officer from Baltimore, Maryland. In August 2007 John was diagnosed with cancer. It was that same August that Robin Roberts, the Good Morning America producer and anchor, was diagnosed with breast cancer and chose to remain on the air...
Ida Meets Pen Pal of 10 Years for the First Time
Ida G. is a 92-year-old woman with a lot to say. She particularly enjoys corresponding with her pen pal, Peg. The two ladies met through the magazine, “Good Times” over a decade ago and have been writing to each other ever since. Though they have been sending each...
Ida Meets the Blue Angels
It would be hard to find anyone more passionate about aviation than 78-year-old Ida Settle, except maybe her half-sister Isabelle. At one time, Ida wanted to be a pilot and Isabelle worked for an aircraft company as a riveter. Ever since the 1980’s they’ve shared...
Gordon Celebrates his Passion for Architectural Design
Gordon, 75, was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Gordon's passion for design and engineering began when he took on the position of the Editor for Chicago’s Building, Design, and Construction Magazine in the early 1970's. Gordon served in this role for 32 years;...
Florence Dances Again
Florence M, 91, of Sterling House of Deptford in New Jersey, loves dancing. She started going to dance halls when she was 14 years old, and fell in love with it. Since Florence still finds so much joy in dancing, her Wish is to experience a social ballroom dance event...
Donna Takes a Ride in a Model T Ford
Donna W., 87, is a current resident at the Sterling House of Lancaster in Lancaster, Ohio. Donna remembers riding around town in her brother's beautiful ModelT Ford Sunday afternoons during her childhood, often accompanying her brother to the grocery store or...
Don Celebrates his Passion for Music in New Orleans
Donald Williams, 71, of Washington, D.C. has always been very passionate about the community in which he was born and raised, DC, as well as our country. He served a full term of 6 years in the Army Reserve during the Vietnam War. Along with loving this amazing...
Beverly Swims With Dolphins at Discovery Cove
Beverly H. is a giving 84-year-old living in Palm Bay, FL. with her grandson Michael. She has so much compassion for others and has spent her life teaching others. Beverly was an elementary school teacher for ten years and a professor at a community college for 30...
Jackie Visits Her Cousin Carol
Jackie G., 74, of Brookdale Englewood in Florida has always been a family woman. Growing up, Jackie always looked up to her cousin Carol, who is six years older than her. Jackie and Carol’s families lived together during World War II, and after Jackie’s father...
Diana Learns How to Train a Wolf
Diana, 72, has always had an appreciation and love for animals. Diana first became passionate about animals due to her husband, but soon she too shared a deep admiration for the wolf in particular. Since the 1970’s, Diana and her husband collected wolf figurines and...
Geoffery Returns to Pittsburgh After 70 Years
Geoffrey B., 76, of Red Hill, PA, is a courageous veteran, father, and volunteer. His Wish of a Lifetime was to go back to his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, where he hadn’t been since he was 7 years old. Geoffrey was born in Pittsburgh in 1939. His father, who was an...
Navy Veteran Annette Visits WWII Memorial
Annette Z., 91, of The Pointe at Newport Place in Boynton Beach, FL, is a courageous and selfless woman who is devoted to her country. During World War II, her two older brothers and twin brother all served in the Navy. She said she could not just sit around while her...
