Please Note: Twilight Wish Foundation is registered in Pennsylvania as a nonprofit corporation and is a public charity exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made to grant open wishes are tax deductible. Twilight Wish Foundation will make every effort to ensure that donated funds go to the wish of your choice. If this is not possible, we will apply the funds to the most urgent and similar wish open at the time. Twilight Wish Foundation has final decision-making authority over the use of all donations.
Sylvia S., 77, Pittsburgh, PA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellSylvia Starr Smith, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, had her wish for piano lessons granted, thanks to our Allegheny County chapter. Smith, 77, lives on her own in a senior high rise building in Pittsburgh. She always wanted to learn to play the piano and was finally taking lessons from another woman in her building. Sadly, that woman passed away unexpectedly in December. Thanks to our Allegheny County chapter, another piano teacher was found to continue Smith’s lessons as they bring her so much joy. Beginning March 12, 2024, piano teacher Cathy Niebel will be visiting Smith at her home to continue her lessons. Thank you to Jackie Hooper from Sound Advice Entertainment for arranging for the lessons.
Linda S., 73, Pittsburgh, PA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellLinda Shook, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, had her wish for a new rocking recliner granted, thanks to our Allegheny County chapter. Shook, 73, has very little furniture and her recliner that she used the most broke. Because she has a limited income, she could not afford to replace it on her own. Having a new, comfortable recliner will improve her quality of life.
Kathy S., 71, Bethel Park, PA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellKathy Shomo, 71, a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, had her wish for a new winter coat, hat and gloves granted, thanks to our Allegheny County chapter. Shomo is very generous to others, especially her children and grandchildren. She needed a new winter coat but because she is on a limited budget, could not afford one on her own. Shomo was thrilled and enjoyed her shopping trip!!
Bernadine N., 85, Pittsburgh, PA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellBernadine Novak, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, had her wish for a gravestone for her son’s grave granted, thanks to our Allegheny County chapter. Novak, 85, gave birth to a baby boy in the 1950s who sadly died at birth. Although he was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetary in O’Hara Township, she was never able to afford a grave marker or tombstone. Sadly, this was not the only heartbreak in Novak’s life. Another son who had Down’s Syndrome passed away from neglect in a state-run home for children with disabilities in the early 1970s. Novak, a single mother raised two other children on her own, and became an advocate fighting for the rights of disabled children in Pennsylvania. Due to her testimony and advocacy, legislation to establish safeguards to protect disabled children was passed. Thank you to Pat Lanigan of Patrick Lanigan Funeral Homes and Kevin Kanak from Ragan Monuments for funding the cost of the tombstone. Thank you also to St. Mary’s Cemetary for waiving their fee for this wish. This very special wish was granted on September 20th on Novak’s 85th birthday.
Samuel T., 80, Braddock, PA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellSamuel Taylor, a resident of Braddock, Pennsylvania, recently had his wish for a new queen size mattress granted, thanks to our Allegheny County chapter. Taylor, 80, is battling prostate cancer and recently had heart surgery. Because he lives on a fixed income, he could not afford this mattress which will greatly improve his quality of life. Samuel was a pastor and also ran a food bank and a shelter for the homeless and addicts. He was thrilled to have this wish granted.
Betty P., 91, McKeesport, PA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellBetty Perrone, a resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, had her wish for a reclining lift chair granted, thanks to our Allegheny County chapter. Perrone, 91, lives alone and spends most of her time sitting and sleeping in her old recliner. She could not afford to replace her broken one on her own. She was overwhelmed and happy to have her wish granted!
Chester S., 73, Clairton, PA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellChester Smith, 73, a resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, recently had his wish for a reclining lift chair granted by our Allegheny County chapter. He currently sleeps in his recliner because of several medical issues, but his current recliner was worn and no longer provided enough support. This new lift chair and pressure-relieving cushion will greatly improve his quality of life!
Barbara W., 74, Pittsburgh, PA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellBarbara Welsh, a resident of the Reformed Presbyterian Home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was surprised with a Disney-themed birthday party, thanks to our Allegheny County chapter. Welsh, who turned 74 on August 11, 2023, is beloved by staff and other residents at her skilled nursing facility. She loves all things Disney and visited Disney World with her family in the past. Her health is declining making it impossible for her to travel to Disney again. The staff at her facility nominated Welsh for this surprise party to lift her spirits and celebrate her in a meaningful way. Welsh worked for many years in the environmental services department at Carnegie Mellon University. She currently serves as the resident council president for the skilled nursing unit at the Reformed Presbyterian Home and is also an ambassador for visitors and guests there. As resident council president, Welsh is instrumental in encouraging other residents to participate in the the monthly meetings She also encourages other residents to voice and concerns they have so staff can address them. Welsh successfully advocated ensuring that dietary services and staff were providing the evening snack for the residents. She was surprised with a birthday party that will include a Prince Charming singing telegram, Disney decorations and cake.
Charla R., 92, Cheswick, PA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellCharla Rinkovicz, 92, a resident of Cheswick, Pennsylvania, had her wish for a phone with large buttons granted, thanks to our Allegheny County chapter. Rinkovicz has vision problems and struggles to see her phone. This wish will greatly improve her quality of life.
Barbara C., 85, Pittsburgh, PA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellBarbara Connelly, 85, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, had her wish for a deep cleaning for her apartment granted, thanks to our Allegheny County chapter. Connelly is physically unable to do a deep house cleaning due to her medical conditions. Because she lives alone and on a fixed income, she could not afford to do it on her own. Connelly volunteered for the Shadyside Hospital Foundation assisting in their office. She was very grateful to have this simple wish granted!