Twilight Wish Foundation

Winter 2010

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:50:00 -0500

Welcome to our Winter 2009-2010 "Shining Moments" quarterly newsletter. (Click here to download a copy.) This winter has been full of shining moments for me as I spent my honeymoon with my husband, Bill Belknap, in Brazil and Argentina in November. We had the most beautiful and meaningful wedding celebrations.

Then, Twilight Wish welcomed the new decade in style at our Night of 111 Stars gala. Thank you to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, board members, and staff for helping us not only continue our good works, but to make huge leaps and bounds towards a wonderful future. You truly make our world a nicer place to age, one wish at a time.

Help Us Grant A Wish in Spokane, Washington

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:20:00 -0500

Twilight's Pacific NW Chapter currently has the following open wishes that need sponsoring:

Gus, a homeless veteran, would like a new set of dentures
Sally, an active, retired nurse, would like to visit Alaska
Antonia, an elderly grandmother, would like to reunite her children and grandchildren (family of 26) at a fine dining establishment in Spokane, WA, or North Idaho

Please contact Elinor at pacificnw@twilightwish.org if you can help fulfill one of these wishes. Thank you!

Elderly Philadelphia Eagles Fan Has Wish for Tailgate Party Granted

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:52:04 -0500

Albert Lounsbury, a longtime Philadelphia Eagles fan, had his wish for a pregame tailgate at his nursing home granted, thanks to national nonprofit Twilight Wish Foundation.

Lounsbury, 82, is originally from New Jersey. In fact, he owned a barbershop in Pitman, NJ and was the barber for several Eagles players years ago. A huge Eagles fan, he took his two daughters to all the preseason training camps and watched every game. Despite living in Florida, he remains a loyal fan. Over the past five years Lounsbury has battled back from severe infections and septic shock that developed after an unsuccessful hip replacement surgery. In addition, two years ago he suffered a brain stem stroke and lost his wife of 52 years. His simple wish for a tailgate party was granted on Sunday, December 6, 2009 before the Birds played the Atlanta Falcons. Lounsbury was surprised with a phone call from his old friend and former Eagles general manager, Harry Gamble during the tailgate. Thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles organization for donating a personalized jersey for Lounsbury and to Marshall Financial of Doylestown, PA for donating several other pieces of Eagle memorabilia and for funding the cost of the party.

Lounsbury’s wish was the 1,192^nd wish granted by Twilight Wish since its founding six years ago. Twilight Wish grants wishes to seniors who are over 68 years old and have an income of less than 200% of poverty level, or less than $21,660 annually, or who are residents of a nursing facility and cannot make their own wishes come true.

Nursing Home Resident Has Wish to Attend Nascar Race Granted

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:47:27 -0500

Louis Hebert, a resident of Pheasant Wood Care & Rehabilitation Center in Peterborough, NH, was granted his lifelong dream of attending a Nascar race in person, thanks to a partnership between Twilight Wish Foundation and SunBridge Healthcare Corporation, operator of his care center.

Louis has been a resident of Pheasant Wood Care and Rehabilitation Center for three years. Despite being confined to a wheelchair and having difficulties with speech, the nursing home resident is an avid Nascar fan and tries to never miss a race on television. Louis’ wish was submitted by Activity Director, Eileen Walley, who wrote “Louis is a good, kind soul who asks for very little. We would all love to see his wish come true and brighten whatever time he has left.” Through an internal SunBridge Healthcare program, “Wish Upon A Twilight Star,” inspired by the partnership between the healthcare company and Twilight Wish Foundation, more than 40 wishes have been granted this year. The program give residents like Louis the opportunity to ask for and, in many cases, receive their Twilight Wish.

Louis’ wish to see a Nascar race in person was chosen from nearly 130 wishes submitted by SunBridge residents from across the country. After reading about the wish on an internal website, SunBridge employees in the tax department at the support campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico purchased the tickets for Louis and two companions to attend the Nascar race at New Hampshire International Speedway on September 20, 2009.

“This program is so rewarding for our residents. It’s wonderful to see our own employees within the company helping to make wishes come true for our residents in this way,” said Kathy Nichols, administrator of the care center. “This brings us all together for their benefit, which in turn, embraces our mission.”

Louis’ wish will be the 1164^th wish granted by Twilight Wish since its founding five years ago.

SunBridge Healthcare Corporation operates more than 200 healthcare centers, including Pheasant Wood Care and Rehabilitation Center, located in 25 states. With executive offices in Irvine, California, SunBridge and its affiliated companies are among the nation’s largest nursing home companies.

84-Year-Old Tennessee Resident Has Lifelong Wish to Ride in Helicopter Granted

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:40:54 -0500

Nora Baird, 84, had always dreamed of riding in a helicopter, high above the world, but never thought her dream would come true. Baird, a three year resident of Cumberland Village Care & Rehabilitation Center in La Follette, TN, suffers from diabetes and is an amputee. But, despite her medical problems, she is known throughout the care center as an extremely sweet lady and is loved by all the staff.

Thanks to a partnership between national nonprofit, Twilight Wish Foundation, and SunBridge Healthcare, operator of Baird’s care center, her lifelong wish came true on September 25, 2009, high above the Tennessee countryside. Before she took off, Baird was nervous, but very excited. After her 20-minute ride in a Robinson 44 helicopter, she couldn’t stop smiling and kept saying how enjoyable the experience was.

“It was wonderful,” Baird said. “It was beautiful, all the houses and green fields. I really enjoyed it.” Dan Haynes, chief pilot and owner of Scenic Helicopter Tours in Sevierville, also enjoyed the flight, which took Baird over Wears Valley and Cove Mountain. “She loved it,” said Haynes. “I always get a kick when people enjoy the flight.” Baird told Haynes that she thought the ride wasn’t much different from being in a plane, but the view was better.

As part of a campaign promoted by SunBridge Healthcare and Twilight Wish, Baird’s wish was one of nine chosen from more than 130 wishes submitted by SunBridge residents across the country. Baird's wish was the 1,064th wish granted by Twilight Wish Foundation Newly appointed Twilight Wish board member, Keith Cianfrani, arranged the flight using his connections in the aviation industry and also donated the cost of the flight. Cianfrani is a twenty-five year career army officer and is currently the Director of Army JROTC for the School District of Philadelphia. He also writes for Rotor magazine.

88-Year-Old Has Twilight Wish to Visit National Air and Space Museum Granted

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:35:01 -0500

Eileen Abbey, a resident of Langdon Place of Keene in Keene, NH, was granted her lifelong dream to visit the National Air and Space Museum in Virginia, thanks to a partnership between Twilight Wish Foundation and SunBridge Healthcare, which operates the care center.

Eileen Abbey, 88, has been a resident of Langdon Place of Keene for almost two years. Her interest in aviation began at the early age of six when she watched Lindbergh’s motorcade after his historic solo flight to Paris. Eileen spent summers close to Floyd Bennett Airfield and saw many famous aviators: Wiley Post, Roscoe Turner, Howard Hughes, and John Glenn. She also saw famous aviatrixes including Laura Ingalls, Jackie Cochran, and Amelia Earhart, but was too shy to ask for an autograph or speak to them. Eileen wished to visit the National Air and Space Museum and see all the original planes on display. She shared her wish with Activity Director, Bonnie Moore, who submitted her story as part of a campaign promoted by SunBridge Healthcare and Twilight Wish. Eileen’s wish was one of nine chosen from more than 120 wishes submitted by SunBridge residents from across the country. Eileen and her daughter, Robin Nishino, made the trip to Virginia in October.

Eileen moved to Langdon Place of Keene with her husband after he became ill and required 24-hour skilled nursing care. Her husband passed away in February of 2008 and, despite her grief, Eileen has remained active at Langdon Place, helping those less fortunate. Thanks to Andy Riley of Comfort Suites in Chantilly, VA for providing lodging and breakfast. Thanks also to Backyard Grill for providing dinners. Finally, thanks to Frank McNally of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center for giving Eileen the VIP treatment during her tour of the museum. Eileen’s wish was the 1,063^rd wish granted by Twilight Wish since its founding five years ago.

SunBridge Healthcare Corporation operates more than 200 long-term and postacute healthcare centers, including Langdon Place of Keene, located in 25 states. With executive offices in Irvine, California, SunBridge and its affiliated companies are among the nation’s largest nursing home companies.

Nursing Home Resident Has Wish to See Real Lions Granted

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:28:54 -0500

John Byrd, a resident of Cypress Cove Care and Rehabilitation Center in Muscle Shoals Alabama, had his dream to see real lions come true, thanks to a partnership between Twilight Wish Foundation and SunBridge Healthcare Corporation, operator of Cypress Cove.

John Byrd, 68, has been a resident of Cypress Cove 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, however, 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 was transported the two hour distance to the UNA campus where he saw their mascots, Leo III and Una, in person on May 15, 2009. John’s wish was submitted by CJ Jones, activity director at Cypress Cove, as part of the campaign promoted by SunBridge Healthcare and Twilight Wish. John’s wish was one of nine chosen from more than 120 wishes submitted by SunBridge residents from across the country.

John’s wish was the 1,062^nd wish granted. SunBridge Healthcare Corporation operates more than 200 long-term and postacute healthcare centers, including Cypress Cove Care and Rehabilitation Center, located in 25 states. With executive offices in Irvine, California, SunBridge and its affiliated companies are among the nation’s largest nursing home companies

World War II Veteran Has Wish to Return to Normandy Granted

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:20:18 -0500

Joseph Burch, a World War II veteran and prisoner of war, recently had his wish to return to Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, site of the historic D-Day invasion, granted, thanks to Twilight Wish Foundation.

Burch enlisted in the army at the young age of 17 in 1942, after lying about his age to recruiters. Burch became a parachutist with the 101st Airborne and took part in Operation Overlord, the combined airborne and amphibious assault on the Normandy coastline of France during World War II. He received the Purple Heart and the prestigious Republique of France Diplome, which along with other medals and awards, are on display in his nursing home, Belmont County Park Health Center. Burch served in the U.S. Army for 12 years, including a tour in the Korean War.

After his honorable discharge, Burch continued to serve as Commander of the American Legion Post 159 in St. Clairsville, working with veterans to help them receive their benefits. Burch has helped provide wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, beds, mattresses, anything veterans might need. Now 84 years old, he is known throughout his nursing home for his kindness and willingness to help others. In fact, his wish application was accompanied by a petition signed by over 225 people asking Twilight Wish to grant this special wish. Volunteer Steve Tambone worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funding for this wish and many generous organizations and individuals donated money to make this wish come true. Burch was accompanied by his former social worker, Cecilia Marchisio, leaving for France on Veterans Day, November 11, 2009. This wish was the 1,066th wish granted by Twilight Wish.

Elderly Doylestown Man Has Simple Wish for 75th Birthday Party Granted

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:09:20 -0500

Doylestown, PA – George Koschorreck, Jr., 75, worked hard his whole life as a factory worker, security guard, upholsterer, and mechanic, giving to others along the way as a volunteer firefighter for the Lansdale Fire Company and handy man for Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansdale. George and his wife do not have much and live very simply in a tiny room in a boarding house in the center of Doylestown. Despite his wife and he having several medical problems, including a heart condition and polio, George has a great attitude and continues to help his landlady around the property and drive her to doctor appointments.

George’s younger sister, Patricia Smith, submitted a wish application on his behalf, writing “This wish would be very special for my brother. George is a wonderful uncle to my children and I couldn’t ask for a better brother than him!” Patricia said her brother is a humble man and would not want much. Her wish for George was for cake and vanilla ice cream and balloons to celebrate his 75^th birthday. On his birthday, June 24, 2009, Twilight Wish staff surprised George and his wife with a birthday party at their apartment, complete with cake, candles, and balloons and a basket filled with Twilight Wish goodies. George was also presented with a certificate honoring him for his life of dedication and service to his community, as well as six Acme grocery store gift cards.

This wish was the 1,137^th wish granted by Twilight Wish Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, based in Doylestown, whose mission is to honor and enrich the lives of deserving elders through individual wish granting events that connect generations. Since our founding in 2003, Twilight Wish has granted nearly 1,200 individual wishes to deserving, low-income seniors, thanks to volunteers, corporate and community involvement, and donations. Recent wishes granted include a ride in a fighter jet for a Vietnam veteran, a visit to the White House for a nursing home resident, and the chance to dance with the Rockettes for a once paralyzed senior. For more information on Twilight Wish Foundation, visit the website at www.twilightwish.org or call 1-215-230-8777.

Elderly Pottstown Resident Has Wish for Hot Air Balloon Ride Granted

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:07:32 -0500

Pottstown, PA – Eva Powell, an 87-year-old Pottstown resident, had her lifelong dream of riding in a hot air balloon granted, thanks to national nonprofit, Twilight Wish Foundation, and Lollipop Balloons of Chester Springs, PA. Powell and her friend, Pauline Klaptoski, enjoyed the fall foliage and the beautiful scenery during their balloon ride on Sunday, November 15, 2009. They were accompanied on their ride by Twilight Wish volunteer, Jen Parisi.

Powell worked hard throughout her life and has given so much back to her community. She worked as a sewing machine operator in her early years and later worked as a nurse’s aid at Pennhurst State School and Hospital, caring for the mentally-challenged patients there. Powell raised a daughter, helped raise her grandchildren, and took care of her husband in his later years before he passed away. She also volunteered with the Salvation Army and at her local church, First United Methodist of Pottstown.

This wish was the 1,186^th wish granted by Twilight Wish Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, based in Doylestown, whose mission is to honor and enrich the lives of deserving elders through individual wish granting events that connect generations. Since our founding in 2003, Twilight Wish has granted nearly 1,200 individual wishes to deserving, low-income seniors, thanks to volunteers, corporate and community involvement, and donations. Recent wishes granted include a ride in a fighter jet for a Vietnam veteran, a visit to the White House for a nursing home resident, and the chance to dance with the Rockettes for a once paralyzed senior. For more information on Twilight Wish Foundation, visit the website at www.twilightwish.org or call 1-215-230-8777.