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.
SueAnn L., 76, New Castle, PA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellSueAnn Lowmiller, 76, has been a resident of Silver Oaks Health and Rehabilitation Center in New Castle, PA since 2009. Lowmiller never married and lived with her parent until they both passed away. Her poignant wish was to visit her parents’ gravesites in Pittsburgh one more time. Because she has no family nearby who can take her, she hasn’t been able to visit her parents’ graves for over 10 years. Her wish was granted, thanks to the New Castle, Pa. chapter of Twilight Wish. Volunteer Monica Shoup drove Lowmiller from New Castle to Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery in Pittsburgh on Saturday, May 18th. Special thanks to Cialella and Carney Florists in New Castle who donated two silk arrangements for Lowmiller to put on her parents’ graves. Because Lowmiller is a huge Pittsburgh Penguins fan, the New Castle chapter also surprised her with a basket full of Penguins items. Pictured, Lowmiller with her nurse, Joyce Main, who nominated her for the wish.
Adaline S., 100, Hannastown, PA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellAdaline Skillings, a resident of Hannastown, PA, just turned 100 on May 6, 2013 and celebrated her milestone birthday in a big way on Wednesday, May 8th. Adaline’s favorite restaurant is The Lamplighter in Delmont and her Twilight Wish was to celebrate her birthday with her family there. Thanks to the Western Pennsylvania chapter of Twilight Wish Foundation, her wish came true. Adaline and five of her family members celebrated her 100th birthday in a beautifully decorated private dining room, complete with cake and balloons. Special thanks to The Lamplighter who donated two meals for this special occasion.
Arnold H., 72, Tucson, AZ
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellArnold Hall, 72, recently had his simple wish granted, thanks to the Tucson, Arizona chapter of Twilight Wish Foundation. Hall’s old truck had broken down years ago in Yuma, but he could never afford to have it towed back to his home in Tucson. Twilight Wish arranged to have his beloved truck towed to Tucson, a surprise for Hall, who is a disabled Veteran. Special thanks to Right Now Towing and American Self Storage Tucson East for their help in granting this wish! Pictured, Arnold Hall with Twilight Wish chapter representative, Lisa Mach, who granted his wish.
Tom C., 72, Newton, NJ
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellThomas Conklin, 72, has been fighting multiple sclerosis for over 38 years, living in his nursing facility for the last 11 of those years. Because of the progression of his disease, he can no longer operate his power chair and has not been able to leave the building since August of 2011. Knowing that a specialized wheelchair that would allow him to return to the activities he once enjoyed, his wife, Linda, submitted the wish request to Twilight Wish on his behalf.
On May 1, 2013, Conklin was surprised when his new wheelchair was delivered to his nursing facility, courtesy of Twilight Wish Foundation! Escorted by a cavalcade of motorcycle riders from Warriors’ Watch and the American Legion, Twilight Wish’s Long Island, NY chapter director, James Ciervo, delivered the new specialized wheelchair to Conklin.
Conklin is an Air Force veteran and father of four boys. When first diagnosed years ago, he was in denial and continued working three jobs in order to support his family. The new wheelchair will allow Conklin some mobility, giving him the opportunity to take “walks” around the grounds of the facility with his wife who is also a resident and wheelchair-bound. Special thanks to Robert Mosco of Port Jefferson, NY who donated the wheelchair.
Richard C., 73, Barstow, CA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellRichard Caton, 73, recently had his wish for a power chair granted by the Barstow, Ca. chapter of Twilight Wish. Caton, who worked 43 years as a barber, suffers from peripheral artery disease (PAD) and has poor circulation in both legs, leaving him unable to get around on his own. Before retiring, Caton often went to hospitals and nursing homes to cut the hair of those who couldn’t make it to the barber shop. Thanks to the generosity of donor Diana Pace, his wish came true on April 22, 2013. The power chair will enable Caton to maintain his independence, allowing him to grocery shop and participate in other activities. Pictured, Barstow chapter director Jeff Eason with Richard Caton.
Ronald F., 71, Barstow, CA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellRonald Fry, 71, had his wish for a new hospital bed granted by the recently-formed Barstow, CA chapter of Twilight Wish. Fry, who sufferes from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), has trouble breathing and is unable to sleep laying flat. For the past few years, he was forced to sleep in a recliner and was unable to get a good night’s sleep. Thanks to Diana Pace, a member of the Barstow Senior Center, Fry’s wish came true. Pace donated the bed and Jeff Eason, director of the Barstow chapter, delivered it to Fry on April 14, 2013.
Harry S., 81, Marion, SC
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellHarry Schaeffer, 81, recently had his wish for a football signed by Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien granted. Schaeffer is a Korean War veteran and worked at the local paper mill until he was forced to retire due to disability from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Besides being severely disabled from advanced RA, he is a prostate cancer survivor and has had open heart surgery. The local Arthritis Foundation named Schaeffer patient of the year in 2010 because of his determination to fight his RA. A lifelong Penn State football fan, having his wish granted “absolutely created a happy memory for him,” according to his daughter. Special thanks to a former Penn State player and the Penn State football program for making this wish come true.
Ari Y., 69, Seattle, WA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellAri Yoder, 69, recently had her wish for a service dog granted. Several years ago, Yoder’s beloved service dog, Sammy, became ill and had to be euthanized at the age of nine. In addition to being her service dog, Sammy was also trained as a therapy dog and they held regular pet therapy sessions at a local drug treatment facility. His death left her heartbroken and she could not replace him for several years. Yoder recently realized that she misses the constant companionship of a dog, as well as the volunteer work that the two of them did together. But, because she lives on a fixed income, she could not afford the start-up costs associated with adopting a dog.
She submitted an application to Twilight Wish Foundation, asking for assistance with the costs associated with adopting a dog such as adoption fees, immunizations, and supplies. Twilight Wish accepted her wish application and worked hard to raise the funds to cover Yoder’s adoption expenses. Many groups and individuals were also touched by her story on Facebook and the Twilight Wish website and donated generously. Happily, Yoder found Danny, a six-year-old Golden Labrador, at a local shelter, and adopted him on Thursday, March 22, 2013.
Yoder has been active in community service since she was in high school, including volunteering with the Peace Corps in Micronesia and serving as a disaster specialist for the American Red Cross for several years. She currently volunteers for the West Seattle Senior Center as a thrift shop cashier and in their computer lab, teaching computer skills to other seniors. Yoder plans to train Danny to be a therapy dog and continue giving back to the community.
“This lovely dog has brought unconditional love and companionship into my life,” said Yoder. “In just over two weeks, he has changed my life. Thank you, thank you, Twilight Wish!”
Diane C., Irwin, PA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellDiane Cassidy has been a resident of Golden Heights Personal Care Home for over nine years, since suffering a stroke. The stroke left her paralyzed on one side, requiring her to use a wheelchair. Because of this, Cassidy is rarely able to leave the facility. Her wish for a fun night out, away from the nursing facility was granted on Monday, April 8th when Cassidy and her caregiver enjoyed dinner at the Rialto Café, followed by the Beach Boys’ concert. To make the night even more special, Twilight Wish arranged for Cassidy to travel in style in a limousine to the restaurant and concert. Special thanks to Rialto Café, Latshaw Productions and Fantasy Limousine Service of Greensburg who help to grant the wish.
Paula B., 68, Greensburg, PA
/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary FarrellPaula Brumley, 68, is a resident of Weatherwood Manor, an assisted living facility, where she is in hospice care. Brumley enjoys socializing with the other residents in her facility and participates in group activities whenever she can. Unfortunately, her medical issues and oxygen limitations make it difficult for her to interact with others as much as she would like. Her wish was for a special dinner out, spending time with others, away from her normal routine. This simple wish was granted on Monday, March 18th when Brumley and several of her caregivers enjoyed lunch at her restaurant of choice, LongHorn Steakhouse. To make the day even more special, Twilight Wish arranged for Brumley to travel in style in a limousine to the restaurant. Special thanks to LongHorn Steakhouse and Fantasy Limousine Service of Greensburg who helped to grant the wish.