Describe your organization.

Through the fulfillment of dreams and innovative educational programs, Second Wind Dreams®, a national non-profit organization, enhances the quality of life for those living in eldercare communities and changes the perception of aging.

Where did your passion for this cause originate?

I began administering psychological testing in Nursing Homes in 1983. Not exactly the Cadillac job most people would hope for, but I fell in love with the elders from the start. Even in the toughest of situations they were happy to have a visitor. They shared touching stories from their past and for the most part, just wanted some attention. One of the questions on the evaluation was for them to finish the sentence, “I wish. . .”. The responses were incredibly humbling. They wanted to see an old friend, visit the place they used to work, go to a movie, have a steak dinner and even ride a roller coaster.  After several years of hearing these types of responses I began to wonder why we couldn’t make those ‘dreams’ happen.

What’s the most important lesson that you have learned in this experience?

People want to help. Problem is, they aren’t sure how to go about it. I am constantly amazed at how much people want to help our elders and the lengths they will go to make a dream come true.

What can readers do to help?

Visit our Web site at www.secondwind.org and see all the things we are doing, and if this looks like something that tugs at your heart, e-mail us or give us a call and we can match you up with an elder or an entire elder care community and let the dreaming begin. Time is not on our side at Second Wind Dreams.

Do You Know Someone Who is Making a Difference in North Fulton? Visit NorthFultonLiving.com/hero to tell us about them!

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Photography by John Haigwood of Haigwood Studios.