Gerrie W., 83, Latham, NY

Geraldine “Gerrie” Westerberg, 83, recently had her wish for a motorized wheelchair to replace her broken one granted, thanks to Twilight Wish Foundation.  James Ciervo, the Long Island/New York regional chapter director for Twilight Wish presented Westerberg with her gently used motorized wheelchair and a certificate honoring her at her nursing facility on December 29, 2010.   Special thanks to Edward Ciervo and All County Ambulette for their assistance in transporting the wheelchair from Long Island to Latham, New York.

An only child who never married, Westerberg worked in the insurance industry her whole life and took care of her sick parents until they passed away in 2003.   Disabled at the age of 50, she was unable to live on her own after they passed away and moved to a nursing facility run by the Little Sisters of the Poor in Latham, New York.   Westerberg relied on a donated wheelchair to remain somewhat independent, participating in social activities, volunteering and partaking in daily prayers with the sisters.  Unfortunately, her old wheelchair was unreliable and often broke down, leaving Westerberg dependent on staff to take her to activities, meals, and prayers.  Her “new” wheelchair will allow her to maintain her independence and dignity. Gerrie’s wish was profiled on News Channel 13 in Albany.