Dream_Foundation

Dream Foundation is thrilled to welcome Mike Edmondson , a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Vice President of Performance Optimization at Amgen, to the advisory council of Dream Foundation’s Dreams for Veterans program. “As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Dreams for Veterans is very personal to me. I recognize and understand the sacrifices that fellow veterans have made for our country,” says Edmondson. “Dreams for Veterans offers a great way to support those who don’t have much time left by fulfilling their Dreams.” Edmondson is a United States Naval Academy graduate and served in the United States Marine Corps for six years. He has since worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 25 years, including 17 years at Amgen. At Amgen, Edmondson has an outstanding record in leading sales teams to excellence. He previously led Amgen’s Black Employee Network and has been instrumental in helping to further Amgen’s efforts toward inclusion and belonging among all of its workforce. He was recognized in 2024 by SAVOY and BlackDoctor.org for his influence and tireless efforts. “Mike provides an important and refreshing perspective to the palliative care we provide for veterans and active service members,” says Dream Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Kisa Heyer. “I am eager to begin our work together, which will undoubtedly enhance the Dreams for Veterans program.” Dream Foundation is the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults, and Dreams for Veterans honors veterans by fulfilling their final Dreams, providing them, their families and caregivers joy, comfort and closure at the end of life. Veterans Advisory Council members support the program with professional expertise, connections to local and national resources, philanthropic care, and other needed assistance. To learn more about Dreams for Veterans, visit dreamsforveterans.org.

When he learned that his cancer was terminal, U.S. Army veteran Peter needed help with his Dream of visiting Disneyland. He says, “Disneyland isn't just a theme park to me; it represents a sanctuary of joy, innocence, and cherished memories. It's a place where dreams come true, where laughter fills the air, and where, even for a brief moment, one can escape the harsh realities of life. It's a symbol of happiness, of childhood wonder, and of the simple pleasures that make life beautiful.” Peter served as a Chief Warrant Officer, with B Troop Cavalry 2-17 his final assignment. Thank you to everyone who helped make Peter’s Dream possible, including Fisher House Foundation's Hero Miles and our friends Eric Kendall and Jason Schetzel from Gilead Sciences for delivering everything provided for Peter’s Dream. Find out how Dream Foundation can help make Dreams come true for veterans facing the end of life at www.dreamsforveterans.org. #veteran #palliativecare #cancer

Dream Foundation welcomes Michael Flowers, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and principal consultant with Zensights, to its advisory council for its Dreams for Veterans program. Michael Flowers served in the United States Marine Corps for 24 years before retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He has since held various leadership and management positions within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, drawing on his extensive experience and impressive expertise from his years of service. "I learned so much from my fellow Marines during my 24 years of service, I thought joining Dream Foundation’s Dreams for Veterans Advisory Council would be a great way to give back to my fellow veterans in need,” says Flowers. “Dreams for Veterans plays a vital role in end-of-life care for our veterans, and Michael Flowers’ experience and passion will help the program continue its current growth,” says Dream Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Kisa Heyer. “We are fortunate and honored to welcome him.” Dreams for Veterans honors veterans by fulfilling their final Dreams, providing them, their families and caregivers joy, comfort and closure at the end of life. Dreams for Veterans Advisory Council members support the program with professional expertise, connections to local and national resources, philanthropic care, and other needed assistance. To learn more about Dreams for Veterans, visit dreamsforveterans.org.

Dream Foundation welcomes Michael Flowers, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and principal consultant with Zensights, to its advisory council for its Dreams for Veterans program. Michael Flowers served in the United States Marine Corps for 24 years before retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He has since held various leadership and management positions within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, drawing on his extensive experience and impressive expertise from his years of service. "I learned so much from my fellow Marines during my 24 years of service, I thought joining Dream Foundation’s Dreams for Veterans Advisory Council would be a great way to give back to my fellow veterans in need,” says Flowers. “Dreams for Veterans plays a vital role in end-of-life care for our veterans, and Michael Flowers’ experience and passion will help the program continue its current growth,” says Dream Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Kisa Heyer. “We are fortunate and honored to welcome him.”

Run for a great cause! Sign up today for a race that will take place in the Carderock Recreation Area on Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, Potomac, MD, on January 18 am. The event will raise funds for Dream Foundation’s Dreams for Veterans program to help make the final Dreams of terminally-ill veterans come true. Dream Foundation is excited to partner with event organizer Bishops Events for the race. Dreams for Veterans serves terminally-ill U.S. military veterans, active service members, and members of the Reserve and National Guard. Dream Foundation’s board and Veterans Advisory Council member Rupa will take part in the race. Rupa is a U.S. Navy veteran whose experience as a naval officer and military physician gives her a deep understanding of the needs of veterans and active service members facing the end of life. We are so proud that she is representing Dream Foundation on the day! Visit bishopsevents.com to learn more about the event. #Veterans #running #runningmotivation #bishopsevents #racingtogiveback

Raynard got the chance to meet his heroes – the Georgia Bulldogs football team—and cheer for them at Sanford Stadium. A lifelong fan, Raynard has always admired the team’s courage in the face of adversity and hoped an insight into what keeps them going when times are tough would help him as he faces the end of his life.

Listen now as Dream Foundation’s CEO, Kisa Heyer, chats with Sherri Snelling of the Caregiving Club on Air podcast about fulfilling final Dreams for terminally-ill adults and veterans. Find out who Dream Foundation helps and why, and how you can get involved. https://lnkd.in/gZvi7nip #CaregivingClubOnAir

Listen now as Dream Foundation’s CEO, Kisa Heyer, chats with Sherri Snelling of the Caregiving Club on Air podcast about fulfilling final Dreams for terminally-ill adults and veterans. Find out who Dream Foundation helps and why, and how you can get involved. https://lnkd.in/gZvi7nip #CaregivingClubOnAir

William grew up in Mars Hill, Maine, where fishing put food on the table and provided “moments of happiness and peace” amid the family’s struggles. It gave him a “deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life and a love for nature.” William had always dreamed of visiting Alaska to see “the serene beauty of Alaska’s wilderness and its world-renowned fishing spots.” Thank you to United Airlines and Turo for helping with transportation and White Raven Tours for sharing the beauty of Alaska with William’s family. And thank you to all of you who made accommodations and enjoying some of the delicious food Alaska has to offer possible. As William and his wife said following the trip, “We can’t thank you enough.” #Turo #travel #aviation

Hawa was a newlywed when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Between treatments and appointments, she and her husband Michael never got the chance to take a honeymoon. When she learned that her cancer was terminal, she dreamed of visiting Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with her husband and their 3-year-old son, saying “My husband and I could finally have a honeymoon and have time with our son without all of the noise of the cancer and the stressors that come with it.” Dream Foundation was able to make Hawa’s Dream come true with help from Marriott Vacations Worldwide and Turo. “We can’t thank you enough for everything! We had a blast,” says Myrtle.