Dementia Dream Flight: Last Wish Adventure!

Contessa Patereau Start Date: Oct 30, 2023 - End Date: Apr 29, 2024
  • The Bahamas

My Travel Story

by: Contessa Patereau Start Date: Oct 30, 2023 - End Date: Apr 29, 2024
"Granting Her Dying Wish: A Vacation for Mom"

Imagine a life dedicated to raising four children as a single mother, working tirelessly, and pursuing a career in the state's Judicial Branch while also striving to set an example of independence, strength, and resilience. This is the story of our incredible mother, who, despite facing countless challenges, has been the unwavering foundation of our family.

As her journey with dementia unfolds, we're reminded of the countless life lessons she imparted and the sacrifices she made to ensure we had a bright future. Despite the memory lapses, she still recognizes our faces and remains mobile, but there is one dream that remains unfulfilled, one desire she cherishes in her heart.

Our mother's unwavering wish is to experience the joy of flying on an airplane and taking her first-ever real vacation, a wish that has been postponed for decades due to her relentless commitment to her family and career. Something she has never been able to do by always putting her children first. With each passing day, as her dementia progresses, she is haunted by the memories she never had the chance to create.

"I have never been on a plane, I have never been on a vacation, I really want to go to the Bahamas," she often repeats, her eyes welling up with tears. It's a poignant reminder of the life she longed to live, the adventures she wished to embark upon, and the moments she wanted to cherish. This is something I wish I could give her on my own, by putting my career on hold to be her caregiver it is something that I just cannot do; this breaks my heart with every tear of this lost wish rolls down her face. 

At 80 years old, our mother's time is precious, and her deepest desire is to experience the beauty of the Bahamas and to create lasting memories with her loved ones. We've created this campaign to fulfill her dying wish and to give her, and our family, the opportunity to make cherished memories together.

Your support can transform our mother's lifelong dream into a reality, bringing joy, happiness, and a sense of fulfillment in her final days. Together, we can show our appreciation for the strength and love she has given us throughout her life and create a beautiful, lasting memory that will forever warm our hearts.

Please, join us in granting her dying wish. Your contribution will be a testament to the love and gratitude we hold for our remarkable mother. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
  • The Bahamas