Why are final Dreams important for those facing the end of life?
John, a member of the U.S. Air Force who served in Vietnam, found himself haunted by memories of those who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. When John learned that his cancer was terminal, he dreamed of visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, to pay his respects. But, he didn’t have the means to do so.
Thankfully, Dream Foundation granted John’s Dream through its Dreams for Veterans program. Dreams for Veterans is a program of Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults. Dream for Veterans was created in 2014 to tailor the Dream experience to Veterans, service members, and their families. This Veteran-focused program recently received the prestigious 2023 Fisher Service Award for its innovation and positive impact on terminally-ill Veterans and their families.
Are final Dreams like John’s really that important for those facing the end of life?
Dream Foundation’s CEO, Kisa Heyer, assures us of their importance. “Dreams help veterans determine their end-of-life journey and provide joy, comfort, and closure when it is most needed,” Heyer states.
For those who have served, a final Dream is everything
Each Veteran’s Dream is unique. Dreams for Veterans provides a variety of services tailored to realizing the specific Dream of each Veteran they serve. Dreams for Veterans has done everything from providing essential items such as comfortable beds to relieve pain to reuniting families torn apart by combat-induced PTSD. For other terminally-ill Veterans, a Dream might be to take one final vacation with their family.
U.S. Army Veteran Darrell’s Dream of taking his wife and son to Puerto Rico was granted by Dreams for Veterans. “It’s my heart’s deepest desire to see the weight of my illness lifted from her,” Darrell wrote.
Dreams touch everyone involved
Rupa Dainer served as a U.S. Navy physician for over 17 years. Today, she serves on the Veterans Advisory Council for the Dreams for Veterans program.
Dainer notes that many Dream requests reflect Veterans’ concern for their loved ones. “Even when they are in a situation in which their death is imminent, whether in the field of combat or their regular lives, veterans still think of others—their brothers and sisters in arms or their families and friends—above themselves.”
A glance through the application letters that Dream Foundation receives each week demonstrates this. Recently, a terminally-ill U.S. Army veteran wrote in asking for help to take his son to an NFL game. “I can’t see him graduate or be a dad, but if I can, I’d like to spend this time with him on a weekend, so he has good times to remember me by,” the Veteran wrote.
A dedicated community of supporters
Over the past 30 years, Dream Foundation has amassed a nationwide community of supporters and strategic partners who help make Dreams possible. At times, these supporters have found themselves essential to realizing a Veteran’s Dream. For instance, Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs often assist with pinning ceremonies or present Challenge Coins to Veterans as part of their Dream.
As Heyer explains, “Without our community, we wouldn’t be able to help Veterans who have no time to wait.”
Apply to help a Veteran realize their Dream
The application process is simple! Applicants must provide a photograph, a letter describing their Dream, proof of annual income, a completed and signed Dream agreement (including medical verification completed by a treating physician or hospice representative), a completed and signed HIPPA form, and proof of military service. Prospective applicants can apply online or download an application and submit it to Dream Foundation via mail or email. Please contact Dream Foundation at info@dreamsforveterans.org or 805-564-2131 with any additional questions.
Dream recipients must meet the following criteria: reside in the United States or Puerto Rico, can provide proof of U.S. military service or membership in the Reserves or National Guard, are 18 years of age or older, have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness with a life expectancy of 12 months or less, and lack the resources to fulfill a Dream themselves.
Refer a Dream with Dreams for Veterans today!
