Dream Foundation & Kyowa Kirin Help Terminally-Ill Woman Return Home

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Dec. 19, 2024 - PRLog -- 72-year-old Linda Richter currently lives in Brook Park, Ohio, but often thinks about Rhode Island, her home state, where she has 'deep roots and cherished connections.' Linda has recently been told her pancreatic cancer is terminal, leaving her little time to return to the place she still considers 'home'.

Unable to make the trip without help, Linda turned to Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for adults.

"A trip to Rhode Island would provide me with the opportunity to find closure, spend precious moments with my loved ones, and revisit the place that holds countless memories dear to my heart," she wrote.

Earlier this year, Linda's Dream came true with the support from Dream partners, American Airlines, Turo, and a local Airbnb host in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Linda traveled to Rhode Island where she spent meaningful time with family, visited her favorite places, ate beloved foods from the area, and even cuddled with baby goats.  She says, "Everything was perfect!"

Before Linda's departure, she was visited by Rick Shaw and Chauncey Jackson from Kyowa Kirin, a pharmaceutical and biotechnology company that has partnered with Dream Foundation to make Dreams come true since 2017. Shaw and Jackson delivered everything provided for her Dream, adding their own generous gifts of goodies.

It was an emotional encounter. "When we pulled up, Linda and her daughter were eagerly awaiting us on the front porch, and when we walked up, they both burst into tears of joy," Shaw shared. "Linda spoke about her life, her vast experiences, and her Dreams. She gave us some pearls to living life to the fullest and advice on how to fight adversity in tough situations. Her passion for life and her positive attitude really resonated with both of us. Overall, the experience was a wonderful opportunity to not only give back but to put things into perspective for Chauncey and me. It really touched us and made us feel compassion and empathy for Linda's situation."

About Dream Foundation:

Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults, fulfills final Dreams that provide inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, healthcare organizations, and committed donors, the organization has served more than 35,000 final Dreams over the last thirty years. Dream Foundation has Charity Navigator's four-star rating—its highest—for sound and transparent fiscal management, ensuring its donors and partners that their investment will be used wisely. Dream Foundation receives no state or federal funding, relying on individual and corporate donations. To support the mission, please visit DreamFoundation.org/donate.