Trending...
- InventHelp Inventor Develops New Automatic Landing Gear Crank (SBM-175) - 107
- People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos Announces New Board Leadership & Corporate Partnership Initiative
- What People Are Saying About ZIBA
National adult dream-granting organization helps bring birthday Dream to life
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Californer -- Single mother of two, Elishaba Doerksen, a survivor of abuse by the hands of her father and who has since authored a memoir, "Out Of The Wilderness (https://www.outofthewildernessbook.com/)," about her experience, has been diagnosed with grade IV glioblastoma and is facing the end of her life. She dreamed of taking her daughter to Hawaii for her sweet 16th birthday. Thanks to Dream Foundation (http://www.dreamfoundation.org/) and its partners, her Dream is coming true.
Elishaba who is no stranger to painful battles and courageous endeavors has decided to forego further treatment for the time being. Instead, she wants to "spend time with and love my children" and "live and breathe life with joy!"
More on The Californer
While her children, Michael, 11, and Esther, 15, are aware of their mother's prognosis, the reality is difficult to accept, especially for Esther, with whom Elishaba shares a special bond.
Michael has special needs and needs constant care after a stroke left him partially paralyzed six years ago.
"He is my little sunshine," Elishaba says. "He has endured so much with a smile."
Esther loves Michael with all her heart and understands that he has needed lots of special care over the years. Now, Elishaba wants to spend special mother-daughter time with Esther in Hawaii.
"It would be such a gift and Dream come true knowing that this could be the last chance to go as mother-daughter," she says.
Later this month, Dream Foundation will fly Elishaba and Esther from Anchorage, Alaska, to Lihue, Kauai, with help from Alaska Airlines, a Dream Foundation partner for 25 years.
Mother and daughter will spend a week on the Island in a Princeville condo, enjoying a luau courtesy of Polynesian Adventure and mountain tubing courtesy of Kaua'i Backcountry Adventures. Turo, a Dream Foundation Contributing Partner, will host ground transportation for their stay.
More on The Californer
Before departure, employees of Dream Foundation's Signature Partner, Genentech, hosted a Dream Delivery to celebrate Elishaba's life and Dream.
About Dream Foundation:
Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults, fulfills final Dreams that provide joy, comfort and closure at the end of life. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, healthcare organizations and committed donors, the organization has served more than 35,000 final Dreams over the last thirty years. Dream Foundation has Charity Navigator's four-star rating—its highest—for sound and transparent fiscal management ensuring its donors and partners that their investment will be used wisely. Dream Foundation receives no state or federal funding, relying on individual and corporate donations. To support the mission please visit DreamFoundation.org/donate.
Elishaba who is no stranger to painful battles and courageous endeavors has decided to forego further treatment for the time being. Instead, she wants to "spend time with and love my children" and "live and breathe life with joy!"
More on The Californer
- Acclaimed Hitmaker Jack Antonoff Wins 2025 ASCAP Pop Music Songwriter of the Year
- Long Beach: City Hosts Business Resource Fair for Small Business and Economic Development Weeks in May
- A Blueprint for Personal Transformation
- Business Needs an Online Presence
- Long Beach: Health Department Hosts Spring into Health Event
While her children, Michael, 11, and Esther, 15, are aware of their mother's prognosis, the reality is difficult to accept, especially for Esther, with whom Elishaba shares a special bond.
Michael has special needs and needs constant care after a stroke left him partially paralyzed six years ago.
"He is my little sunshine," Elishaba says. "He has endured so much with a smile."
Esther loves Michael with all her heart and understands that he has needed lots of special care over the years. Now, Elishaba wants to spend special mother-daughter time with Esther in Hawaii.
"It would be such a gift and Dream come true knowing that this could be the last chance to go as mother-daughter," she says.
Later this month, Dream Foundation will fly Elishaba and Esther from Anchorage, Alaska, to Lihue, Kauai, with help from Alaska Airlines, a Dream Foundation partner for 25 years.
Mother and daughter will spend a week on the Island in a Princeville condo, enjoying a luau courtesy of Polynesian Adventure and mountain tubing courtesy of Kaua'i Backcountry Adventures. Turo, a Dream Foundation Contributing Partner, will host ground transportation for their stay.
More on The Californer
- Classic Cars & Community Spirit Drive Support for Ill and Injured Warriors at Streak 52, San Diego
- California: Governor Newsom proclaims Day of Prayer 2025
- Airbnb Announces First Quarter 2025 Results
- Grammy-Nominated Producer and Former A&R Executive Launches Cutting-Edge Music Distribution Platform
- California's population increases — again
Before departure, employees of Dream Foundation's Signature Partner, Genentech, hosted a Dream Delivery to celebrate Elishaba's life and Dream.
About Dream Foundation:
Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults, fulfills final Dreams that provide joy, comfort and closure at the end of life. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, healthcare organizations and committed donors, the organization has served more than 35,000 final Dreams over the last thirty years. Dream Foundation has Charity Navigator's four-star rating—its highest—for sound and transparent fiscal management ensuring its donors and partners that their investment will be used wisely. Dream Foundation receives no state or federal funding, relying on individual and corporate donations. To support the mission please visit DreamFoundation.org/donate.
Source: Dream Foundation
Filed Under: Non-profit
0 Comments
Latest on The Californer
- Women in Wellness LA 2025 Returns with an Exclusive Night of Longevity, Healing & Networking
- Climate Masters Inc. Poised for Record-Breaking Year in 2025
- California: TOMORROW: First Partner Siebel Newsom to celebrate Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day with Boys & Girls Club in Bay Area
- STEM Mentorship Event Brings Together LA Dodgers Foundation and SoCalGas to Inspire the Next Generation of STEM Professionals
- California: TOMORROW: First Partner Siebel Newsom to celebrate Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day with students in Pasadena
- California: Governor Newsom proclaims Apprenticeship Day 2025
- California: Governor Newsom announces launch of new AI tool to supercharge the approval of building permits and speed recovery from Los Angeles Fires
- YourEggs Egg Donation Bank Launches Pride Eggs: A New Division Dedicated to Celebrating and Supporting LGBTQ+ Families
- Governor Newsom expands affordable housing and supportive services for rural Californians with $118.9 million in new federal funding
- Indie Game Publisher Joins Federal Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration's Illegal Tariffs
- Introducing Advanced Micropayment Solution with Blockchain, DAOs, and Stablecoins
- Day On The Farm: Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum Tour
- Bennett Awards Brings Conceptual Vision to Life with Groundbreaking College Basketball Crown Trophy
- InventHelp Inventor Develops New Vehicle Hitch Cover (OCC-1757)
- Advot.org proudly announces another success story!
- Ax3.ai Makes Strategic Equity Investment in Matrice.ai to Advance Global AI Infrastructure and Computer Vision Innovation
- Popular Kiwanis Danville 4th of July Parade to Celebrate 50 Years; Sponsorship Opportunities
- Care Dental Implant & Cosmetic Center's New Website Launch!
- $4.3 Million Waiver Exemption Granted by FDA on New Drug Application Fee for Treatment Addressing Suicidal Depression, PTSD: NRx: Stock Symbol: NRXP
- YMCA Seeks to Expand Civic Leadership Opportunities for More New Jersey Youth