PROFILE // Darlene’s Dream: A Night Out at a Celtic Woman Concert
03.03.14
We are so proud that the year-round fundraising efforts of Get Hitched, Give Hope from events like HopeChest, Hopebrew, and our huge bridal gala and fundraiser benefit Dream Foundation, one of our featured charities. Dream Foundation is an amazing organization, compassionately making dreams come true for adults facing life-threatening and terminal illnesses. Their mission is simple:
“For families who have been financially devastated by medical expenses, a dream is the comfort of knowing the heating bill will be paid… For those with young children, it’s creating happy memories and having fun. For young adults, a dream can be meeting a personal hero. And for children facing the impending loss of a parent, a dream is receiving support and compassion.
“Our dreamers have received a life expectancy of one year or less, and lack the resources to achieve their dreams on their own. While we cannot cure their diseases, we can dramatically impact the quality of their fragile lives with the joy experienced from a dream come true.”
Dream Foundation’s work ensures that people facing terminal illness still have the opportunity to experience moments of joy, celebration, and dignity. Darlene, one of their most recent dream recipients, embodies the resilience and warmth of so many who apply for these dreams.
Just last week, three of our team were privileged to deliver a fantastic dream from Dream Foundation to Darlene in Everett. A lifelong lover of music and a mother to three, Darlene has spent her years caring for others, always putting her family and community first. She worked for many years as a home health aide, helping seniors and people with disabilities live independently in their homes. She has a sharp sense of humor, an easy laugh, and a knack for finding the good in any situation. But in recent years, life has presented its own challenges.
Darlene was recently diagnosed with lung cancer, on top of managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for several years. With her mobility becoming more limited, getting around has never been more difficult. Yet, when asked what would bring her the most joy, her request was simple: a night out at a Celtic Woman concert, just to feel the magic of live music once more.
Dream Foundation’s Dream Granting branch happily assembled a care package with tickets for Darlene and a friend, a check for a nice dinner at a restaurant, soothing bath products, inspirational reading, and some awesome Dream Foundation swag. It was a small way to recognize the kindness, strength, and generosity she had shown others throughout her life. Darlene was thrilled—and the concert is practically next door, ensuring she will be delivered right in the lap of luxury for a well-deserved night of music and joy.
Delivering Darlene’s dream was a moment none of us will soon forget. Get Hitched, Give Hope team members Laura Marchbanks (VP of Procurement), Krista Simons (VP of Fundraising), Brian Dale (volunteer and sponsor) made up our dream delivery team and were photographed by Kat Cutright [Speyer] (VP of Marketing). Seeing her joy, the light in her eyes when she realized she would be attending the concert, was a reminder of why we do this work.
Darlene’s journey has not been an easy one, but it is filled with love, laughter, and the kind of selflessness that makes an indelible impact on everyone who knows her. This small moment of recognition was a way of honoring a life well lived and ensuring that even in difficult times, there is still something to celebrate.
Thank you to Dream Foundation for making this possible, and to everyone who donates and supports our efforts through Get Hitched, Give Hope. Your generosity turns dreams into reality, one heartfelt wish at a time.
