U.S. Navy Veteran Kyu Cho was born in South Korea before moving to the United States. Kyu and his sister, Anna, had a very difficult upbringing. As a result, the pair forged a close bond. Their relationship remained strong even after they were separated when Anna was placed in foster care.
Kyu joined the Navy in 1988 and served through 1992. He completed basic training in Great Lakes, IL and was stationed out of San Diego on the USS Denver as a machinist.
Upon learning that his cancer was terminal, Kyu dreamed of seeing Anna one final time. The distance between Kyu, who resides in Sacramento, CA, and Anna, who resides in Maui, HI, presented an obstacle to their reunion. To assist Kyu in realizing this Dream, the hospice social worker from U.C. Davis Hospice, a Level 4 We Honor Veterans partner, submitted a referral to Dreams for Veterans. As a result of this referral, the Dreams for Veterans team was able to arrange an intimate and emotional reunion for this brother and sister.
Anna flew in from Maui and was able to stay with Kyu and his family in Sacramento for two weeks. The siblings shared meals and memories. Anna was also able to connect more deeply with Kyu’s wife and daughter. Knowing his wife and daughter would remain family with Anna following his passing mean the world to Kyu.
“Thank you all so much for this beautiful gift. It means the world to my husband and our entire family.” Kyu’s wife remarked.
During the reunion, the family also enjoyed a special photo shoot donated by Raymond Nguyen from Passion Studios. Kyu and Anna’s families will treasure these images and the memories they capture forever.
Instilling joy, comfort, and dignity into end-of-life can have a tremendous impact on Veteran patients’ dying process and their loved ones’ experience of grief. Learn more about providing recognition to Veterans and their families through WHV’s Honoring Veterans webpage.
Dreams for Veterans acknowledges Veterans, active service members, and members of the Reserve and National Guard and honors their service by fulfilling their final Dream. Through dream-granting, Dreams for Veterans provides Veterans and their families, loved ones, and caregivers with inspiration, comfort, and closure at the end of life.
Check out the Dreams for Veterans site to submit an application, make a referral, or learn how you can help serve final Dreams to Veterans and active service members.
