Celebrating Cedarhurst Senior Living’s Dream Come TRUE Program in 2024

At Cedarhurst Senior Living, we believe in the power of dreams to inspire, uplift, and bring joy. That belief is at the heart of our Dream Come TRUE program, which reflects our mission to create communities where residents feel loved, valued, and supported to live life to the fullest. Through this initiative, we work to fulfill meaningful aspirations for our residents, showing that dreams can be achieved at any stage of life.

“Our Dream Come TRUE program goes beyond fulfilling wishes, it’s about celebrating the rich stories, passions, and unique journeys of our residents," says Almir Sajtovic, President of Cedarhurst Senior Living. "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.”

The program’s success this year is a testament to the creativity, compassion, and dedication of our Cedarhurst communities. Cedarhurst of Dyer went above and beyond, fulfilling an astounding 15 dreams for their residents. Across all communities, the Dream Come TRUE program brought joy, connection, and inspiration to residents and their families.

As we look back on the incredible moments of 2024, we’re reminded of the lives touched and the joy shared across our eight-state footprint. This year, the program expanded its reach, with nearly 50 dreams fulfilled in over 30 communities.

Highlights of a Year Full of Dreams

Each story is unique, reflecting the passions, memories, and aspirations of our residents. Here are just a few of the moments that made 2024 unforgettable:

Gene Miller, Cedarhurst of Lebanon

A lifelong fan of George Strait, Gene saw his dream come true when he attended a concert by his musical hero. For Gene, it wasn’t just a performance, it was a deeply personal experience that brought back cherished memories of dancing with his late wife.

Betty Kombrink, Cedarhurst of Highland

A surprise casino trip reminded Betty of her adventures with her late husband, while creating new memories with friends. From the camaraderie to a glamorous limo ride, the experience made her feel like a movie star.

Evelyn Kidd, Cedarhurst of Tesson Heights

At 96, Evelyn returned to the skies, flying in a Cessna for the first time in decades. Her story of rediscovered passion for flight was shared locally in St. Louis and nationally on CBS Evening News, inspiring countless others to embrace their own dreams.

Leona Lewis and Carolyn Hollander, Cedarhurst of St. Charles

Together, they soared above the landscape in a hot air balloon. For Leona, it was a thrilling first-time experience, while Carolyn’s flight marked a triumphant return to an adventure she hadn’t enjoyed in 30 years.

Suzanne Edson, Cedarhurst of Woodland Hills

Proving age is no obstacle, Suzanne zipped through the treetops on a thrilling zipline adventure. Her message? “Do what you want to do, no matter your age, and just give it a try!”

Jim Mathiasch, Cedarhurst of Naperville

At 85, Jim took to the skies once more, reliving his love for flying. His return to the cockpit was a powerful reminder that passions can be pursued and cherished at any age.

Looking Ahead to 2025: What’s Your Dream?

As we prepare for another year of making dreams come true, we invite our residents to dream big. No dream is too small or too grand. Submissions open in January, and each community will select a resident’s wish to fulfill. Whether it’s flying, dancing, or simply trying something new, we’re ready to make it happen.

As resident Evelyn Kidd shared, “I hope next year someone gets a wish, and it happens to them like it did for me. It was really nice!”

Carolyn Hollander’s words from her hot air balloon adventure offer a perfect reminder to all: “I want others to know that you’re never too old to try new things. Focus on the things you can still do, not what you cannot. Do not let age slow you down!”

Let’s Keep Dreaming

The Dream Come TRUE program is more than just a celebration of wishes fulfilled; it’s a reminder of the boundless possibilities at any age. If you’re a Cedarhurst resident, we can’t wait to hear about your dream in 2025. Let’s make it come true - together.

What’s your lifelong dream? Let’s make it a reality in 2025!

Turning Dreams into Reality: