Wishes Fulfilled
Bucket list wishes run the gamut. Poignant, funny, exhilarating, surprising or somewhere in between, wishes allow the recipient and participants, whether family or friends, to create memories while sharing a meaningful experience. The wish recipient can forget for a time about being sick. Donors and doctors benefit too by helping a dream-come-true. Below is a sampling of some of the wishes The Bucket List Project has had the privilege to facilitate.
Christmas with all the trimmings helped Betty and her family enjoy a memorable holiday. A lovely tree festooned with ornaments, festively wrapped presents for everyone, and a delicious Christmas dinner brought smiles all around. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Rudy is a huge fan of hawks and falcons and has watched many movies with birds of prey. Hawks symbolize determination, focus and protection, while falcons symbolize patience, strong-will and strength, all traits Rudy has harnessed during his treatment. He had often wondered what it would be like to hold a bird of prey. Raptor Events made that a reality. Rudy had an amazing experience, which included meeting a falcon and a fly-in with a hawk that landed on his gloved arm.
Dennis is a true inspiration. While his own wish was modest, a new tablet, he has gifted dozens of other people through his kindness and extraordinarily positive outlook. After his diagnosis and lengthy hospital stay, he began working out 5 days a week and, though he had never run a marathon, he began training and has now completed 38 full and 37 half marathons around the world. Along the way Dennis has encouraged and inspired countless cancer patients and marathon runners.
When you’re a serious Kansas City Chiefs fan, cheering on your favorite quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is important! Stephanie and her family gave it their all at SoFI Stadium and the Chiefs didn’t let them down; they won big!
A couples massage was part of Gary’s wish so he could share the experience with his wife, Sandra. In the comfort of their home they both felt the deep relaxation and soothing touch of a skilled massage therapist.
America painted the town Red—or do we mean Blue??—when she soaked up the vibes in Las Vegas with beautiful accommodations at The Palazzo Hotel, a private backstage tour of Cirque du Soleil, and an up close and personal experience when she attended a performance of The Blue Man Group.
Retreat. Relax. Revitalize. Renew. That’s the mantra at Glen Ivy Spa and that’s exactly what Consuelo, her daughter, and niece experienced when they were treated to a beautiful day of massage, facials, mud baths, delicious food, and a private cabana. Ahhhhh.
Country music is Melissa’s jam yet she had never had the opportunity to attend a concert. The Bucket List Project Foundation secured two VIP passes for the Coastal Country Jam in Huntington Beach so that Melissa and her boyfriend could enjoy the sun, sand, bbq, and especially, hours of country music!
Girls weekend for Faith and her daughter, Angela! They spent two nights on the Queen Mary exploring the venerable ship and a day “up close and personal” with all the fish at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific.
The magic and wonder of Cirque du Soleil with it’s talented company of acrobats, dancers, and contortionists, unfolded for Kathie and her family as they enjoyed both the thrill of a performance and a special behind-the-scenes experience.
Gwen
wished to provide a great holiday experience for her family. Thanks to her spirit and creativity, an “Ugly Sweater Party” with gifts for her nieces and nephews was organized. There was an abundance of laughter thanks to Gwen.
Mariano is totally passionate about helping others. He wanted to experience a police ride-along and help the homeless. The Gardena Police Department made both wishes come true when he joined the ride-along team that provides mental health and homeless outreach in their community. Thank you Mariano!
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Joe took downtown Los Angeles by storm with his brother, enjoying a Laker’s game, as well as visits to LA Live and The Grammy Museum. Each evening they relaxed in total comfort at the luxurious JW Marriott hotel.
Beverly wanted to experience Disneyland with her young daughter who loves Minnie Mouse, so The Bucket List Project brought both of them a bit of Disney. Cinderella serenaded and Prince Charming and Belle joined in the fun! Everyone enjoyed the delicious cake decorated like Disney’s Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
Ronisha enjoys music and she especially loves attending concerts. The energy, excitement, and vocals Ronisha, her mother, and her sister experienced at a concert featuring pop punk diva, Pink, didn't disappoint! Rock on!
If you're a huge motorcycle fan like Tim, you won't be surprised to learn that attending the Motorcycle Grand Prix was his wish. The CEO of Ducati, North America, Jason Chinnock, arranged for full-on VIP treatment for Tim, his wife, Kim and son, Trent. They sat in the Ducati Island section and enjoyed a rare tour of the Ducati Garage where technicians prepare the motorcycles for the race. The Fairmont, Austin, graciously upgraded Tim to a beautiful suite with downtown views. A special shout-out to Long Beach resident, Greg Trachy, who connected The Bucket List Project Foundation with Ducati North America.
It's no surprise that most moms want more time with their families. Cheryl's wish was to spend time on a beautiful Hawaiian beach with her husband, Tradd, their son, daughter, spouses, and grandchildren. With additional help from The Tracy Lane Foundation, Cheryl's wish became a reality when her family enjoyed a lovely beach house in Kailua, enjoying the surf, sun, and sand together.
Loyal sports fans want to meet the players they spend so much time watching, critiquing, and cheering, and Michael is no exception. A huge Clippers fan, Michael (far right) was thrilled to attend a game followed by a post-game visit to the players' tunnel and a "meet and greet" with the whole team. Go Clippers!
Christopher asked to up his cooking game! Enter Chef Bryant Taylor from Chianina in Long Beach who expertly shared with Christopher (far right), Christopher's brother, and two best friends, some serious pasta-making skills! Lesson completed, they all devoured their efforts. Buon Appetito!
Being legally blind didn't stop Marquez from cheering for his team, the LA Rams. He attended the game with his mother, brother and nephrologist, Dr. Deepak Rajpoot. Go Rams!!!
Bob threw out the first pitch at the Cardinal's game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Although a life-long Dodger's fan, Bob attended a Cardinal's game in 1954 with his dad where, as luck would have it, he caught a fly ball from his hero, Stan Musial. Years later, Bob met Musial who autographed the ball! Accompanied by his daughter, doctor, and friends, Bob returned to the Cardinal's field bringing the experience full circle.
Alexis, a huge soccer fan who was diagnosed with leukemia during his freshman year of college, waited patiently during his over 8 month hospital stay to be able to attend an LA Galaxy soccer training session at the Stub Hub Center. Alexis beamed as he took photos and video of his favorite players on his new iPhone 7 that he received from The Bucket List Project Foundation. Left to right: Jonathon dos Santos, Alexis, Giovani dos Santos, Christian (Alexis' brother)
A taste of an island luau delighted our wish recipient and her family and friends as they enjoyed a delicious meal and champagne toast from Fuego, at the beautiful Hotel Maya. The graceful hula dancers from the Leiali'inani Polynesian Dance Academy entertained.
When it wasn't possible to make it to Disneyland for Marilyn's birthday, her oncology team called on The Bucket List Project Foundation to bring the magic of Disney, including a heartfelt serenade from Cinderella, directly to Marilyn and her family.
Enjoying an evening out while feasting on a dinner of king crab legs was one of Patricia's wishes. She thoroughly enjoyed her dinner which she declared, "delicious"!!
Surrounded by her loving family and dearest friends, Rosa fulfilled her bucket list dream by marrying her beloved. The invitations, beautiful venue, photography, food, flowers and rings were all gifted to the bride and groom.
Terri had always dreamed of going sailing. A generous donor made available his 70 foot racing yacht and full crew, as well as a delicious gourmet lunch, for a totally perfect day on the water.
Actor Channing
Tatum and his wife, Jenna Dewan Tatum, along with two of their choreographers, brought Crystal a roof raising, hand-clapping, smile-inducing dance party right into the intensive care unit.
Andrea wanted to see her family. A generous donor made that a reality by flying Andrea and her two daughters to Mexico where she enjoyed several days with her family visiting and reminiscing.
Kenny realized a huge Bucket Wish item when he visited, via limousine and VIP passes, the taping of the Ellen show. He enjoyed the entire adventure with his best friend.