Fulfilled Twilight Wishes

Mary, nursing home resident, had her simple, yet heartfelt wish for new wigs that fit properly granted, thanks to a partnership between Twilight Wish Foundation and her care center, Bedford Hills Care and Rehabilitation Center.  This partnership offers residents the opportunity to submit a “Twilight Wish” to the national foundation through an internal program known as “Wish Upon a Twilight Star.”

Mary, 90, began working at the young age of 15 to help support her family and was the oldest of four children.  She was married for just three months when her mother died at a young age.  Following her mother’s death, Mary was responsible for the care of her father and three younger brothers, as well as her husband.  In fact, Mary worked until the age of 82. 

“Caring for others is something she’s done all her life and she never had the chance to take the time to care for herself,” said Julie Hamilton, Solana Program Director who nominated Mary for this wish. “This will be Mary’s big day,” she added.  

Jackie Staiti, owner of Amanda Thomas Boutique, did a special wig fitting on May 5^th to find the perfect wigs for Mary.  Mary received her new wigs at a party held during the nationwide celebration of National Nursing Home Week, Thursday, May 13, 2010.  Special thanks to Jackie Staiti of Amanda Thomas Boutique, located in Amherst, NH, for donating her time and the cost of one of the wigs to Mary.

John has been a resident of SunBridge Healthcare’s Cypress Cove Care and Rehabilitation since 2005.  John loves lions; his room is decorated with them and he watches the University of North Alabama’s “Lion Cam” to see their lion mascots in action.  Because of John’s medical condition, he has never had the opportunity to see lions in person.  According to John, “If I can see a real live lion before I die, I will be a happy man.” 

John’s wish came true in May 2009, when he was transported by ambulance to the UNA campus where he saw their mascots, Leo III and Una, in person.

Carol’s wish was to visit her grandchildren in Rochester, NY.  In June of 2009, Carol traveled to Rochester courtesy of Continental Airlines.  She celebrated her granddaughter’s 16^th birthday and was able to attend her grandson’s high school graduation.

Alice’s stove has not worked in three years.  A mother of 12, Alice worked hard to raise her children alone. Her daughter wrote that “if it wasn’t for my mother, I don’t know how we all would have made it to be adults.”  She wanted to do something that would make her mother smile again.  The gas stove was generously donated by Yona and Jonathan Beller in June 2008.

Bobbie Joe dreamed of flying in a fighter jet.  Bobbie served in the Army for 21 years and was stationed all over the globe, including Korea and two tours of Vietnam.

On 4/19/08, Bobbie’s wish to fly came true when he flew in a restored L-39 jet with pilot Allen H. Smith III.