Dream_Foundation

Take on the challenge of a lifetime by running in this year’s Berlin Marathon in September or the 50th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC, this October, as part of Dream Foundation’s Dream Challenge Team. Raise funds to help make the final dreams of terminally-ill veterans come true. The Berlin Marathon starts and ends near the iconic Brandenburg Gate, and runners say it has a carnival-like atmosphere. Entry is by lottery, and the lottery is now closed—but you can still run as part of Dream Foundation’s Dream Challenge Team! In the Marine Corps Marathon, you’ll run through cheering crowds past the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, and the Marine Corps War Memorial. Because it’s organized by the Marines, the MCM has a unique “esprit de corps” that sets it apart from any other race. And with this year marking its 50th anniversary, it’s bound to be extra special. If you can’t run in person, the MCM also offers a Virtual 10K, so you can participate from anywhere. Plus, you can now turn any challenge into a fundraiser for Dreams or Dreams for Veterans. You can see the full list of Dream Challenge Team challenges and all the details at https://lnkd.in/gR_w38Kh #DreamFoundation #RunWiththeMarines #BerlinMarathon #Berlinlegend #marathon #running #run #runner #marathontraining #runningmotivation #runners #veterans #runnersofinstagram

We are grateful for the support of Lido Consulting and Greg Kushner.

Erica is facing the end of her life at just 24 – and her bravery is so moving. She says, “I just want to be able to live in the movement, even if it’s for a brief time.” Thank you to all of our incredible supporters for helping her take her Dream trip to San Diego with her boyfriend. She says, “We had such an amazing time … the trip was definitely a Dream and I cannot express how appreciative I am. I just want to thank you again. It was definitely a trip that me and my fiancé will never forget.” Special thanks to go Dana Horne Realty for helping with accommodations, Southwest Airlines and Turo for providing transportation, San Diego Zoo for giving the young couple a day to remember and our friends at Genentech for delivering everything provided for the Dream—along with their own thoughtful touches.

At just 29, Jeremy is facing the end of life at such a young age. He dreamed of traveling to Seaside, OR, with his loved ones and his two fur-babies. "To see the ocean from the window one last time is something Jeremy would love to do," shared his mom. Our thanks to our supporters and Seaside Vacation Homes for helping make Jeremy’s Dream possible, and to Seaside Aquarium for so generously welcoming the family. “Jeremy had a wonderful time,” says his mom. “Everything was perfect!”

“Dream Foundation blessed our family with the adventure of a lifetime. When my parents came to Kauai on their honeymoon cruise 39 years ago, they wanted to do the helicopter tour here, but it was a little bit out of the budget. Our dad told us girls he always thought about it and kicked himself for not doing it, especially when passengers came back to the ship talking about how cool it was. Yesterday, we got to experience that adventure as a family. The beauty took our breath away, so emotional. The most incredible experience, dad said our ride exceeded any expectations and dreams he had about it. Thank you to Island Helicopters and the Dream Foundation for turning this bucket list item into a reality. First class.” #DreamFoundation #Dreams #bucketlist #palliativecare #ALS

Dream Foundation is delighted to welcome Nathan Rogers, of counsel with Rogers, Sheffield & Campbell, LLP, to its Board of Directors. “I am honored to continue my nonprofit service by joining the Board of Dream Foundation,” says Rogers. “I look forward to helping bring meaningful experiences to people throughout the country who are facing a terminal diagnosis.” With a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law and a certificate in meditation from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law, Rogers brings a practical and holistic approach to the practice of law, with an emphasis on business and trust and estate litigation. A Santa Barbara local, Rogers is passionate about serving his community. In addition to his commitment to Dream Foundation, he previously sat on the Board of Directors of Santa Barbara Strings and Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, holding the chairperson position at both. Rogers also served for several years on the Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara County Bar Association and was an Associate Director of Old Spanish Days. “Nathan’s expertise and passions lend themselves seamlessly to Dream Foundation’s mission of serving terminally-ill adults with a final Dream,” says Dream Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Kisa Heyer. “I am especially delighted to welcome a Santa Barbara local who can nurture the relationship with our compassionate community.”

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.”