Fulfilled Twilight Wishes

Norma Sue S., 95, Humble, TX

May 18, 2023/in Fulfilled Wishes

Norma Sue Stephenson, a resident of Humble, Texas, had her wish granted to travel to Italy to see where her husband, Victor Phelps,’ plane was shot down during WWII, thanks to our Houston, Texas chapter. Phelps flew 116 missions with the Twelfth Air Force’s 87th Fighter Group until his plane was shot down by the Germans in Italy near the Gothic Line on October 11, 1944. Phelps’ squadron had orders to bomb a bridge, but when the bombs didn’t release, he circled back for another attempt although he later told his family he knew his plane would be shot down. He bailed out of his P-47D Thunderbolt, nicknamed “The Nittany Nipper,” and as he was parachuting down, he could see German soldiers on one side and farmers with pitchforks approaching from the other side. Phelps hid on a nearby Italian farm until he was captured and taken as a prisoner of war by the Germans. He was among the prisoners liberated by General George Patton’s army on April 29, 1945

Stephenson, who is 95, found out several years ago that there is a memorial at the spot where Phelps’ plane crashed after an Italian organization reached out to her grandson via Facebook. The Associazione Amici del fiume Senio (Friends of the Senio River Association) found parts from Phelps’ plane and put up a memorial at the spot of the crash. The organization, with the help of one eyewitness, was able to give his family photos and information they had never heard before. Like so many other veterans, Phelps, who passed away in 1976, did not talk much about his war experiences with his family.

Stephenson has wanted to visit the memorial in Italy ever since they found out about it. Her wish finally came true in late April when she and three family members traveled to Italy to visit the memorial and take part in a ceremony on that date. This date is important to the Phelps family as it is the anniversary of his release as a POW in 1945.

Imperial House Residents, Pittsburgh, PA

May 18, 2023/in Fulfilled Wishes

Five senior citizens were treated to high tea at The Inn on Negley, thanks to our Allegheny County chapter. The women, who range in age from 72 to 85, are good friends who look out for each other on a daily basis. One even noticed when another was having a stroke and called 911, saving her life. The women were dressed in their finest, including gloves, corsages and fancy hats, and enjoyed high tea together with volunteers from the Allegheny County chapter on Thursday, April 20th.

Margaret M., 75, Glassport, PA

May 17, 2023/in Fulfilled Wishes

Margaret McCay, a resident of Glassport, Pennsylvania, will be going to see Rod Stewart in concert in August, thanks to our Allegheny County chapter. McCay, 75, was an RN for many years until she developed chemically-induced asthma. She also suffers from other medical issues and has chronic pain. Her wish is to either meet her favorite singer, Rod Stewart, or see him in concert.

Robert T., 94, Lakeland, FL

May 17, 2023/in Fulfilled Wishes

Robert Talvensaari, a resident of Lakeland, Florida recently had his wish to see his beloved Detroit Red Wings play the Tampa Bay Lightning granted. Talvensaari, 94, is a Korean War veteran who served in the Air Force. He recently lost his wife of 71 years and is heartbroken. Talvensaari is a lifelong hockey fan who grew up in Canada and played goalie in high school. A former Michigan resident, he is a faithful fan of the Detroit Red Wings. Thanks to the generosity of the Tampa Bay Lightning, he and three of his family members watched the game from a suite. The remaining family members were in other seats in the arena. The Lightning recognized Talvensaari for his military service during a ceremony on the ice during the National Anthem.

Ted S., 76, Bristol, VA

May 17, 2023/in Fulfilled Wishes

Ted Sage, a resident of Bristol, Virginia, had his wish to attend the 8th Annual James Wimmer Bluegrass Festival granted, thanks to the recently-formed Eastern Tennessee chapter. Sage, 76, has played banjo since he was a young child and formed Sagegrass, a bluegrass band with his brothers, Andy and Ricky. They released an album in 1985 and played in many bluegrass festivals over the years. Sage is battling medical issues and is legally blind but wished for one last chance to attend the festival. He knows and has played with many of the musicians performing in the festival. His wish was to sit in the front row VIP seats so that he could see and hear the music better, but because he is on a fixed income, he and his wife could not afford them on their own. Thank you to the family of James Wimmer for donating VIP passes for Sage and his wife, Leslie. This is the first wish granted by the Eastern Tennessee chapter of Twilight Wish Foundation.

Bertha D., 91, Greensburg, PA

May 17, 2023/in Fulfilled Wishes

Bertha Dean, a resident of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, recently had her wish for a CD player granted, thanks to our Westmoreland County chapter. Dean, 91, lives on her own. She loves music and has lots of CDs, but had no way to play them as her CD player broke. Dean thrilled to have this simple wish granted!

Monterey Place, New Haven, CT

May 17, 2023/in Fulfilled Wishes

The residents of Monterey Place in New Haven, CT were recently granted their wish for items for socializing at a game night at the facility. These included board games, puzzles, a popcorn machine and other fun items that would encourage the seniors to keep busy and have fun socializing with each other.

Richard L., 73, Middletown, CT

May 17, 2023/in Fulfilled Wishes

Richard Lund, Jr., a resident of Luther Ridge senior living in Middletown, Connecticut, had his wish for art supplies and frames granted, thanks to our Connecticut chapter. Lund, 73, served in the Navy during Vietnam and received both the National Defense Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation. He takes great pride in his artwork and shares his art with other residents by displaying it in the community art gallery at Luther Ridge. Because he lives on a fixed income, Lund is not able to afford the cost of art and framing supplies on his own. His wife recently passed away and his painting is his therapy, contributing positively to his mental and physical health. Lund’s wish was granted on Friday, March 31st.

Dewain S., 78, Houston, TX

May 17, 2023/in Fulfilled Wishes

Dewain Smith, a resident of Houston, Texas, recently had his wish for a new full size bed and a new pair of shoes granted, thanks to our Houston, Texas chapter. Smith, 78, lives alone and has many medical issues. Because he lives on a fixed income, he could not afford either on his own. Smith has been sleeping on his old couch which is causing him additional pain and discomfort.

Jeff P., 64, Pittsburgh, PA

February 22, 2023/in Fulfilled Wishes

Jeff Pawlos, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will have his wish to attend a Penguins game with his sons and grandsons granted, thanks to our Allegheny County chapter. Pawlos, a Navy veteran, suffered a stroke four years ago which impacted his speech and left him without any movement or feeling on the right side of his body. He has been working extremely hard learning to complete daily living function using the non-dominant side of his body. Pawlos’ goal is to relearn how to walk again and hopes to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding. Thanks to our Allegheny County chapter, Pawlos will celebrate his upcoming 65^th birthday by attending a Penguins game with his sons and grandsons. He was presented with tickets to the game and a wish certificate honoring him at his home on Monday, February 20, 2023.

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