A Wish Fulfilled: Geno’s Story

Animals have an extraordinary ability to bring comfort and joy – especially during life’s most difficult moments. This was the case for Geno, an 89-year-old Marine veteran in Tidewell Hospice care due to advanced prostate cancer. It was his lifelong love of horses that sparked an idea to give Geno an unforgettable experience.

During a visit from Sheila, the Tidewell Hospice social worker on Geno’s care team, he reminisced about his experience caring for horses and shared a cherished memory of taking his daughter horseback riding. It had been years since he’d been near a horse, and he expressed how much he would love to see one again in person.

Moved by his story, Sheila collaborated with the rest of Geno’s care team – registered nurse Sarah, care team manager Janelle, and veteran volunteer coordinator Nancy. Together, they turned to the Tidewell Foundation’s Wishes Fund to make his dream a reality.

Thanks to this donor-supported program, Geno and his daughter Lori visited Easterseals Ranch of Southwest Florida, where therapy horses help veterans and others heal. That day, Geno came alive among the majestic equines. As they groomed and fed the horses, Geno shared tender moments with Breezy, a gentle mare. She seemed to adjust her gait to match Geno’s pace as they walked and remained calm under his touch.

“He became a different person when he got to the barn,” Sheila shared. “It was like love at first sight,” she said of Geno’s connection with Breezy. As Geno brushed the mare’s shiny coat, she relaxed so deeply that she fell asleep – an unforgettable moment of peace and joy.

“Hearing the stories and seeing his reaction is a reminder of why we do this,” Geno’s care team nurse, Sarah, said. “Hospice isn’t just death and dying. It can be joy, laughter and love.”

Geno’s story is one of many made possible by the Tidewell Foundation Wishes Fund. Whether it’s a final sunset at the beach, a special birthday, or a quiet moment like Geno’s, these experiences fulfill patient dreams and create lasting memories for their loved ones.

You can help bring more of these moments to life. Visit tidewellfoundation.org/impact-areas/hospice-services/wishes-fund to support the Wishes Fund today.