Fulfilled Twilight Wishes

Beatrice D., 92, Kearny, NJ

April 16, 2019/in Fulfilled Wishes

Beatrice Dybus, who passed away January 28, 2019, was posthumously honored by having her wish to receive an honorary college degree from New Jersey City University granted, thanks to our New Jersey. Beatrice, 92, attended Jersey City State College (now known as New Jersey City University) in the 1970s where she was pursing a degree in English with a minor in literature which was a lifelong dream of hers. At the time, she was married with seven children. Because her husband was a veteran, they received veterans’ benefits that enabled her to attend college. Sadly, in her last semester, her husband passed away. Upon his death, the benefits were terminated since his death was not due to war or military reasons, but due to natural circumstances, Beatrice was forced to drop out of college and never completed her degree. Before her wish could be granted, she passed away suddenly in late January 2019. Her grandson, Christian Hoffman who is also a graduate of NJCU, will accept her much-deserved honorary degree on her behalf. Presenting her honorary degree will be Sue Henderson, President, NJCU, and Guillermo de Veyga, Chief of Staff, NJCU. Pictured is Beatrice with some of her family members.

Jane K., 62, Linden, NJ

October 16, 2018/in Fulfilled Wishes

Jane Koza, a resident of Delaire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Linden, New Jersey, recently had her wish to see her beloved Yankees play granted, thanks our New Jersey chapter.

Koza, 62, played competitive basketball and softball for her high school alma mater, Mother Seton High School in Clark, New Jersey. At the age of 47, Koza learned she would need knee surgery to repair torn cartilage. During surgery, she contracted MRSA, a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. A second surgery for a total knee replacement caused Koza to slip into a coma and an infection traveled through her spine and left her with transverse myelitis, a rare neuro-immune disorder that resulted in paralysis from the chest down. Recently, due to the chronic infection in her knee, her leg was amputated above the knee.

Despite all her medical issues, Koza remains optimistic and is very active in her facility. She has been a resident of Delaire for over 12 years and has served as Resident Council President for the past eight years. She advocates for the other residents and has spearheaded fundraisers to purchase a new bingo machine, bowling league equipment and prizes for bingo and parties at the facility. Her wish to see the Yankees play for her 60^th birthday was granted on September 15, 2018. Koza and her friend received the royal treatment from the Yankees: getting a backstage tour of the stadium, receiving a bag of Yankees’ souvenirs, getting a chance to wear a World Series ring, and getting upgraded seats between home plate and third base. Special thanks to the Yankees for making her wish so memorable and to All Med Transportation for donating the transportation.

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.

Fulfilled Twilight Wishes

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