Cedarhurst Senior Living’s Dream Come TRUE Program Fulfills Nearly 50 Resident Dreams in 2024
January 2, 2025
ST. LOUIS, MO — Cedarhurst Senior Living has announced that its Dream Come TRUE program turned nearly 50 bucket-list dreams into reality for residents across eight states in 2024.
From a 96-year-old soaring in a Cessna to an 85-year-old rediscovering his passion for flight, the Dream Come TRUE Program shows that age is no barrier to pursuing your dreams. Resident Evelyn Kidd even had her story featured on CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell. At 96, Kidd had returned to the skies for the first time in decades.
“Our Dream Come TRUE program goes beyond fulfilling wishes, it’s about celebrating the rich stories, passions, and unique journeys of our residents,” said President Almir Sajtovic in a press release. “Every dream we help bring to life is a testament to our commitment to fostering vibrant, inspiring communities where every life is honored and celebrated.”
Among the nearly 50 dreams fulfilled in 2024 were:
Gene Miller, a resident of Cedarhurst of Lebanon in Missouri, is a lifelong George Strait fan who was able to attend a concert by his musical hero.
Leona Lewis and Carolyn Hollander of Cedarhurst of St. Charles in Missouri, who soared above St. Louis in a hot air balloon. For Lewis, it was a thrilling first-time experience, while Hollander’s flight marked a return to an adventure she hadn’t enjoyed in 30 years.
Cedarhurst of Woodland Hills (in Oklahoma) resident Suzanne Edson, who zipped through the treetops on a zipline. Her advice? “Do what you want to do, no matter your age, and just give it a try!”
And Cedarhurst of Naperville, Illinois, resident Jim Mathiasch, 85, who returned to the cockpit, reliving his passion for flying.
These moments, and many more, captured the essence of living life to the fullest, inspiring residents, families, and Cedarhurst staff alike.
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The Dream Come TRUE program expanded its reach in 2024, fulfilling nearly 50 dreams across more than 30 Cedarhurst communities in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
Looking ahead to 2025, Cedarhurst is determined to surpass these milestones and elevate the Dream Come TRUE program even further. By engaging more residents and communities, Cedarhurst aims to expand the program’s reach, making more dreams come true and creating unforgettable moments of joy, inspiration, and connection for residents and their families. Starting this month, residents may submit their wishes, with each community selecting at least one to fulfill.
“I want others to know that you’re never too old to try new things,” Hollander said. “Focus on the things you can still do, not what you cannot. Do not let age slow you down!”
Cedarhurst Senior Living is an operator of independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities under the Cedarhurst Senior Living and Cedar Creek brands. Cedarhurst is part of The Dover Companies, established in 2007 to develop, construct, own, and operate high-quality senior housing. Cedarhurst Senior Living operates 50 communities in eight states, and it currently has three new communities under construction.
