Growing up in Titusville, many days were spent at the beach. As time goes on, life continues, and while the beach remains, visits become fewer and farther between. One day, during a visit from a team member, a conversation about the beach arose. The question was posed, “Would you like to go?” Shirley shared that it had been years since she’d been to the beach and expressed her longing to go, but believed it was no longer possible.
Shirley’s care team stepped into action to make Shirley’s dream come true. Thanks to generous donors, a beach wheelchair had been purchased a few years ago for situations like this. Plans were made, and with her family and care team beside her, Shirley journeyed to the beach. The beach wheelchair was delivered to the beach and ready for her adventure. The team took turns pushing her along the shore as she enjoyed the sunshine and the gentle breeze. She was even able to be pushed into the shallow water, feeling the splash on her hands, the sun on her face, and savoring the glory of the day. When it was time to head back, the chaplain stopped to say a prayer, marking the end of a beautiful day. Shirley’s smile said it all, and her sister’s smile echoed the sentiment—it was truly a perfect day for everyone involved, a day that will not be soon forgotten by the team. The joy and compassion felt that day will live on, made possible by the generosity of donors and a care team honoring what matters most to a patient.
“It could not have been more perfect,” Shirley reflected as she sat in her room, looking at a picture of her with her team, her sister, and the beach wheelchair with an umbrella on that special day. Shirley’s sister Geri, reflecting on the experience, shared, “I knew there was Make-a-Wish for children, but I didn’t know there was for adults. Thank you for making her wish come true.”