Wish Stories
We’ve granted over 3,300 wishes
Sandy Becomes a Washington Correspondent
Sandy, 75, is a clever and kind woman who lives at Clare Bridge of Portage, a Brookdale community in Michigan. Sandy loves writing, editing, and politics. Though all have been life-long passions of hers, she's never been able to bring the three together. Sandy was a...
Morris Visits USS Hazard Minesweeper
Morris, 89, is a World War II Veteran who resides at Wilora Lake Lodge in Charlotte, NC. Morris’ Wish of a Lifetime is to travel to Omaha, NE to see one of the only remaining ships like the one he served on-The USS Minesweeper. Morris served in the Navy from 1943-1945...
Lucile Follows in her Father’s Footsteps
Lucile, 89, from Holland, Michigan, is a sweet and caring woman. She graduated from school in 1942, right in the midst of the Great Depression. Her dream was to become a nurse. However, there wasn’t much money available and her mother believed another path would be...
Madeline Finally Visits Mackinac Island
Madeline, 91, from Hoffman Estates, IL, is a very determined woman, and always has been. During WWII, she wanted to serve. At that time, a woman had to be 21 to enlist herself without a parent's signature. She was six months shy of 21 and her father was reluctant to...
Naomi Attends her Granddaughter’s Wedding
Naomi, 96, from Georgia was one of the first female dentists in the United States. She went to school at the University of Maryland where she met her husband. After graduating at the top of her class, Naomi and her husband practiced pediatric dentistry together....
Prisoner of War Returns to Anzio Beach
Kenneth, “Ken,” is an 87 year old veteran that resides in Twin Lake, MI with his lovely wife, Connie. Ken’s Wish of a Lifetime was to be able to return to the place where he was captured as a prisoner of war during WWII: Anzio Beach, Italy. Ken joined the US Army when...
Journey of Heroes October 2013
On October 14th, 2013, Wish of a Lifetime sent 20 Wish recipients from all over the country to Washington, D.C., some to see the memorials built in their honor for the very first time. We proudly took veterans who served in Vietnam, Korea, and WWII. Also included in...
Delores Celebrates 100th Birthday with “Johnny Cash”
Delores R, 100, is a jovial lady whom resides at the Pointe at Newport Place in Boynton Beach, FL. Delores and her husband, Frank shared a common love for music--one that still resonates with her to this day, despite her husband's passing. Delores will be turning 100...
Phyllis Reunites with Family in Phoenix
Phyllis, 88, of Kokomo, Indiana is a family woman who has been through so much in her life. Her son, Rex, and grandchildren, Allie and Reed, live in Arizona, and she had not seen them in over 12 years. Phyllis’s Wish of a Lifetime was for them to visit her in Indiana....
Kathleen Attends WVHAC At Greenbrier Hotel
Kathleen, 87, graduated from the Cadet’s Nurse Corps in 1947 shortly after WWII was over. The Cadet’s Nurse Corps was created in response to the need for more nurses after the United States entered the war. These women were trained to be professional nurses and would...
Clint Hosts an Antique Automobile Show
Clint D., 91, is an automobile-gentleman. He and his wife June have been active in the world of antique automobiles for over 50 years, sharing a particular interest in Henry Ford’s first assembly line car for the masses, the Model T. Clint’s Wish of a Lifetime was to...
Joann and Carl get a Taste of the Big Apple
Joann, 82, and Carl, 83, from Centennial, CO, both have lived quite an admirable life. They raised 9 children in Texas and lived in a racially segregated neighborhood. Being the only white family in their neighborhood made it tough on their family, but while...
Estel Returns Home to Visit Family and Friends
Estel is a charming 81 year old older adult from Denver, CO. His Wish of a Lifetime was to travel to Charleston, WV, to visit his brother, sisters, nieces, nephews, and friends. Estel was raised on a farm in West Virginia, and after his father had a life-threatening...
Al Goes To Keesler To Relearn Hurricane Hunting
Al, 87, is a current resident at the Chancellor Place of Murrieta in California with a variety of skills and trades acquired through his lifelong dedication to learning new things and experiencing new places. After Al finished Officer Candidate School with the United...
Fred’s Family Comes Together
Fred H. is an 84 year old from Olympia Fields, IL, with an extensive family. Fred has 9 sons, 3 daughters, 35 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Fred served in the Army from 1948 - 1952 as a supply clerk. He married his wife while...
