Gloria, 100, Philadelphia, PA

Gloria Kravitz, was surprised at her 100th birthday party by a visit from the Phillies' Phanatic.  A lifelong Phillies' fan, she loves the Phanatic.  Although Kravitz never had any children of her own, she was a second mother to many of her nieces and nephews and is beloved by her extended family, with over 125 attending her party. According to one of her nieces who submitted the wish application on her behalf, Kravitz lights up when she sees the Phanatic on television.  Her wish came true on Saturday, January 28th, 2012 when the Phanatic made a surprise appearance at her birthday party.

Stella, 90, Donora, PA

Stella Banahasky, 90, a resident of Donora, Pennsylvania, had her wish for an electric lift chair granted, thanks to Twilight Wish Foundation. 

Banahasky lives with her daughter, but is alone during the day while her daughter is at work. Due to several medical issues including arthritis, it is difficult for her to get up and out of her chair on her own. Her daughter submitted the wish application on her behalf, requesting an electric lift chair that would make it easier for her to get up and out of her chair more easily and lessen the risk of her falling.  Her simple wish came true on Friday, January 13th, when her new lift chair was delivered.  Special thanks to Progressive Mobility and Medical of Washington, PA who discounted the cost of the chair for Twilight Wish and to a generous donor who sponsored the wish.

Phyllis, 88, LaVerne, CA

Phyllis, 88, has several medical issues including a long battle with breast cancer.  Both she and her husband, John, are huge David Archuleta fans.  They love his voice and admire his character and devotion to God.  Phyllis wished to meet David, but because of her health issues, was unable to leave her home.  Despite fighting a cold and leaving the next day for the Philipines, David visited them at their home and sang two songs to them, including Phyllis' favorite: "Ave Maria." Thanks to David and to Sunny Hilden who orchestrated the visit.  A big thanks also to all of David's fans on Twitter who helped grant this wish!

Cindy D., 65, Newman, IL

Cindy, 65, is a permanent resident of a nursing home in Illinois. Cindy is paralyzed due to primary lateral sclerosis, a progressive degenerative neurological disorder. Her eyesight has also deteriorated recently due to macular degeneration. Cindy's wish is for a new phone with a headset so that she can communicate with family and friends. She has three children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  Thanks to our very generous donors, her new phone and headset are on their way to Cindy!

Evelyn B., 80, Erie, PA

Evelyn Black, 80, an Air Force veteran and retired  nurse, had her wish for a visit from a golden retriever granted on December 5, 2011.  Because of several medical issues, Black is rarely able to leave her home and requires continuous oxygen therapy.  A single mother, Black also volunteered with the Maria House Project in Erie and as a eucharistic minister at her church.  Black's wish came true when Daisy, a rescue golden retriever, visited her at her home in Erie.  Special thanks to Therapy Dogs United, Inc., of Erie for making this wish come true.  

Grace S., 80, Monroeville, PA

Grace Signore, 80, is a lifelong Pittsburgh Pirates' fan.  Signore has inoperable brain cancer, but still watches every game from her bed and sings "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during every seventh inning stretch, according to her daughter.  Signore worked hard her whole life, finally retiring from her job as cook for the priest at her church after being diagnosed with brain cancer.  Her wish was to meet the Pirate Parrot.  Her family surprised her with a Pirate-themed party for her 80th birthday and the big surprise was a visit from the Pirate Parrot!  Her wish was granted on November 6, 2011.

Beula C., 82, Idaho Falls, ID

Beula Chesak, a resident of Idaho Falls Care and Rehabilitation Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho, had her wish to spend the day with sheep granted, thanks to a partnership between Twilight Wish and SunBridge Healthcare.  Chesak, 82, grew up around animals, herding sheep with her sister when they were young girls.  Her wish was to be around a herd of sheep and pet them, just one more time.  Her poignant wish came true on October 20, 2011 when Chesak visited a local family who raise sheep on their property.  Chesak was accompanied by her husband, daughter and sister.  Special thanks to the Cole family for their generosity and kindness in helping to grant this wish.

Rita M., 79, West Orange, New Jersey

Rita Miller, 79, a resident of Daughter’s of Israel nursing facility in West Orange, New Jersey, had her wish for a computer screen magnifier granted on November 8, 2011 during a presentation at her nursing facility. Miller wished for a computer screen magnifier so that she could see the computer screen, allowing her to email her family and have access to the internet.  Thanks to the elder care law firm, Hauptman and Hauptman of Livingston, New Jersey, who funded Miller’s wish.  Miller was presented with the magnifier and a certificate honoring her and commemorating the event by Twilight Wish New Jersey regional director, Sally Buonomo, and Yale Hauptman, Hauptman and Hauptman P.C.

Della M., 84, Bradford, PA

Della's wish is for railing to be installed on the steps outside so that she has something to hold onto and doesn't fall.  Because of her fixed income, she is unable to pay for this herself.  A local contractor has offered to donate their labor for free, but the cost of materials is $250.

 Thanks to our generous sponsors, Della's wish will be granted soon.

Wish ID: HQ1613

Donald H., 78, Milford, New Hampshire

Donald Thompson, a resident of The Elms Care and Rehabilitation Center in Milford, New Hampshire, was granted his Twilight Wish to ride a horse, thanks to a partnership between Twilight Wish Foundation and the operator of his nursing center, SunBridge Healthcare.  Thompson, 78, loves horses, but has never had the chance to ride one.  He now suffers from several medical conditions that limit his mobility and independence.  His wish to ride a horse was granted on Friday, November 4, 2011 at UpReach Therapeutic Riding Center in Goffstown, New Hampshire.  Special thanks to the wonderful staff at UpReach for all they did to make his special wish come true!!

Shirley H., 76, Bedford, MA

Shirley Hufnagle, a resident of Bedford Hills Care and Rehabilitation in Bedford, MA, was granted her Twilight Wish to return to the ocean one more time, thanks to a partnership between  Twilight Wish Foundation and the operator of the Bedford Hills nursing center, SunBridge Healthcare

Shirley is 76 and has Alzheimer's Disease.  She is currently in hospice care.   Born in England, she was very athletic, golfed and played tennis, even competed at Wimbledon. Shirley, her husband and children went to the beach all the time.  Her husband wanted her to be able to see the ocean one more time and feel the sand on her feet.  Her wish was granted on Saturday, October 8th, 2011, a beautiful, sunny day. Shirley, her husband and daughter spent the day on Plum Island and enjoyed lunch together.  According to her nurse, Shirley was alert and responsive and enjoyed the wind in her hair.  Thanks to everyone who worked to make this very special wish come true.

Richard Y., 69, Rochester, New Hampshire

Richard Young Sr., a resident of Colonial Hill of Rochester Care and Rehabilitation in Rochester, New Hampshire, was granted his Twilight Wish to return to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) one more time, thanks to a partnership between  Twilight Wish Foundation and the operator of the Colonial Hill care center, SunBridge Healthcare.

Young, 69, grew up around the racetrack, traveling with the crew and working in the pit at the NHMS.  Now a nursing home resident, he is wheelchair-bound and, because he has beenunable to get to the track on his own, feels that part of him is missing.  When asked by Colonial Hill activities director, Phil Wittmann, "If you could have one wish, what would it be?"  Young replied, with tears in his eyes, "I would love to get back to the track, one more time."  His poignant wish came true on Sunday, September 25, 2011 when Young, his best friend, Robert Smith, and Wittmann, returned to the NHMS for the Sylvania 300, the second race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Special thanks to NASCAR and the New Hampshire Motor Speedway for donating tickets and credentials to allow them access to the pit and track before the race.

Francis W., 77, Erie, PA

Francis Wisniewski, 77, an Army veteran, had his wish to play one more round of golf granted on September 29, 2011.  Wisniewski was an avid golfer, but due to several medical issues, is no longer able to golf on his own.  He now resides in the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home for veterans in Erie.  Wisniewski, former nursing home Activities Director, John Guras, and Doctor of Physical Therapy students, Nick Dwyer and Sean Asp, hit the links at the Lawrence Park Golf Course in Erie. 

Ruth H. - 79 - Blanket Texas

Background: Ruth submitted her wish many years ago, but unfortunately has not yet been granted. Simply put, Ruth would like to smile again. She has some rotted teeth and others are breaking off.

The Wish: To have dental work so she can smile proudly and eat.

Thanks to Kyle W. Kirkland, D.D.S., our generous donors and volunteer Michael Ellenbogen, Ruth will be smiling soon!

Delores H., 78 Lancaster, WI

Thanks to a few generous donors, we have the funding to fulfill Delores' wish! 

We hope to have her washer and dryer installed before the holidays.  Delores' husband was permanently disabled when he was hit by a truck more than 30 years ago.  She was his and their six children's primary caretaker. Both Dolores and her husband now suffer from multiple health issues and are having trouble meeting their monthly expenses.  They can not afford to replace their old washer and dryer.  Delores' wish is for a new washer and electric dryer so she does not have to travel to the laundromat. 

Shirley F., 80, Bensalem, PA

Thanks to Mike Kogan of Kogan Prosthetics for providing Shirley with new shoes!  Shirley will also receive a gift card for Boscov's to get a new holiday outfit because of our generous donors! Thank you!

 Shirley has a simple wish: new shoes and clothing that fits.  She desperately needs new shoes, but, because of medical problems with her feet, her shoes are expensive and she cannot afford to replace them on her own.  Shirley also lost a lot of weight and needs clothing that fits her (she was a size 18 and is now an 8-10).  She has volunteered throughout her life including working with special needs children and  is active in her synagogue in Northeast Philadelphia.  New clothing and shoes would make a difference in Shirley's life and improve her self-esteem.  We are hoping to give her a $200 gift card to go shopping and are halfway to that goal.  Please donate and grant her wish!

Wish ID: HQ1855

Louise H., 68, Rome, Georgia

Louise's wish was to visit her son one more time.  Although they only live 19 miles apart, her son had two strokes and is now in a nursing home.  Because of her own medical issues, Louise is wheelchair-bound and unable to visit him on her own.  Her wish was to be transported to the nursing home, but because of the wheelchair, she needs a van with a lift.  Louise volunteered throughout her life as both Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader and was the team mother for both her children's softball and baseball teams.   

On September 16th, Louise's wish came true.  Thanks to our generous donors and Best Care Transport Services, Louise spent the day with her son, Billy.  The Cedartown Standard featured an article on Louise's wish.

Barbara A., 80, Meridian, ID

Barbara wished for a mini-refrigerator so she can keep healthy snacks in her room.  She lives with her son who is recovering from a car accident.  She wanted to be able to get a snack in the middle of the night without waking her son.

Thanks to a generous donor, Barbara received a new mini-refrigerator on September, 13, 2011!

Sally H., 89, Meets Chase Utley

Sally H. celebrated her 89th birthday in style, attending a Phillies game and meeting her favorite player, Chase Utley.  She is a loyal Phillies fan, watching every game on television.  According to her friends, she is devoted to her favorite player, Chase Utley, and knows all his stats and refers to him as "her boy, Chase." Her wish came true two days after her birthday when she and two friends attended the August 24th game and met Chase before the game.  

Patricia, S., 71, Wish for Lift Chair

Patricia Smith, 71, a resident of Grundy Hall, a government-subsidized senior housing complex in Doylestown, has medical issues that limit her mobility, making it difficult for her to remain independent.  Smith contacted local State Senator Charles McIlhinney’s office to see if he could assist her in getting a lift chair that would make it easier for her to get up and out of her chair more frequently.  McIlhinney, in turn, contacted Twilight Wish Foundation, submitting a wish application on behalf of Smith. 

Coincidentally, a local woman, Susan Adams, had contacted Twilight Wish the same day wishing to donate a barely used lift chair. Adams had been diagnosed with CIPD, an ailment that left her almost completely paralyzed and bedridden.  Luckily, her treatment at the University of Pennsylvania was successful and she is back on her feet, leaving her with an unused lift chair.  Adams’ daughter, TaiMarie, searched the internet to find someone who could use the chair and found Twilight Wish. Twilight Wish staff facilitated the wish process in a manner of days, and her simple wish was granted Tuesday, August 23^rd at Grundy Hall in Doylestown.  Senator McIlhinney attended the wish granting, along with donor, Susan Adams, and representatives from Twilight Wish Foundation. 

“I love everything and can’t begin to tell you how much,” said Smith.  “It’s so comfortable, it’s like I am living in heaven.  I am finally at peace and at rest.” 

Adams was also overwhelmed by Smith’s gratitude and the circumstances of the wish granting.  “It was such a blessing to be part of this,” Adams said.  “Just to see her sitting in her chair, is beyond words.”