Arbor Terrace of Middletown Celebrates a Biker's Dream

No matter how old you are, you are never too old to have a dream to fulfill.

Arbor Terrace of Middletown is a place that many call home.

We listen. We respond. We Care.

That is how Joan’s Dream to ride a motorcycle began to unfold. When Joan was a teenager she used to ride with her boyfriend as a passenger on a motorcycle, and her parents never agreed to the idea of Joan doing such a thing. Things changed many years after that. Wanda Malko, our Engagement Director, was actively leading a reminisce activity in our Memory Care Neighborhood, The Gardens, when she discovered Joan’s love for riding motorcycles. Wanda jumped at the opportunity to give one of our residents the chance to relive some of her best days.

And she knew just the organization to do it with!

Second Wind Dreams is a “non-profit organization that is dedicated to changing the perception of aging through the fulfillment of dreams”. Soon after the dream was submitted to Second Wind Dreams, a long overdue motorcycle ride was crowd funded in full!

The team was determined to assist with fulfilling her dream and finding people that could make this happen. Then Wanda was introduced to, Dina Schultz. She was the person who was able to make Joan’s dream come true by providing a bike with a side car that Joan could safely ride in. Dina was completely on board with the idea of giving her a ride down memory lane, along with several members of her family and friends. With the help of our funding from Second Wind Dreams Joan was able to pick out her own vest, helmet, and goggles to ride in style and a Go-Pro camera to relive the ride at any given time. On the day of the dream, prior to the ride, we were able to invite Joan’s family, other residents and their families, and staff to a BBQ. Joan was all smiles as residents, family members, and staff watched her take off with not only one motorcycle, but an entire group of bikers! Her crew rode through residential areas and down to the beach, where Joan and her new friends stopped for a bit and took some pictures. If you ask Joan, she described the experience as ‘simply amazing’ and couldn’t help beaming about her experience. Joan and her family showed extreme gratitude towards everyone that helped make this come true. In the end, we are truly the lucky ones to be a part of this experience!

“Learn More about the Second Wind Dreams® Story.” Second Wind Dreams ® | About Us, www.secondwind.org/about/.