Veteran Battling MS Surprised with Gift of Mobility
May 2, 2013 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mary Farrell, Director of Community Relations, (215) 230-8777 ext. 103 or mary@twilightwish.org
Newton, NJ – Thomas 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.
Twilight Wish Foundation is a national nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is to honor and enrich the lives of deserving elders through wish granting celebrations that connect generations. Since its founding in 2003, Twilight Wish has granted over 1,880 individual wishes to seniors throughout the U.S. Twilight Wish grants wishes to seniors who are 68 and older or a permanent resident of a nursing home and earn less than 200% of poverty level. If you would like to nominate a deserving senior or get involved with Twilight Wish, please visit the website at www.twilightwish.org or call 215-230-8777 ext. 104.