Making Dreams Come True.

NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement's Dream of a Lifetime program is one of only a handful of wish-granting projects in the nation with no age restrictions. It is designed to offer hospice patients joy, contentment and sense of completion near the end of their lives.

Since the program was launched in early 2009, program coordinators have been able to fulfill a number of wishes - some as simple as a home-cooked meal or a family portrait, or a flight home for a close relative.

The program is funded entirely by donations - of money, time, talent and connections. To make a donation to Dream of a Lifetime, please call (707) 646-3579 or find an option that works for you.

For more questions about the program, please contact Brenda Boyd at BBoyd@NorthBay.org.

Follow the Dream

Dream of a Lifetime: Making Treasured Memories »

Posted: February 3, 2016  Video icon.

There's a whole lot of love packed into the Wheatley House on this bright summer day. More than 20 relatives of Alzheimer’s patient Erika Duarte have gathered at the Country Cottages assisted-living facility in Vacaville to pay tribute to her.... More»


Jerry Larson »

Posted: October 6, 2015

The late Jerry Larson and his wife, Joy.

Jerry's Joy: Widow Remembers Husband's Life and Final Dream

When Jerry Larson realized he wouldn't still be alive by Thanksgiving, he had an idea. There would be one more special party with his family to celebrate the... More»


Juana Martinez »

Posted: October 5, 2015

Juana Martinez is taken care of by her daughter, Cecilia Vega

Sharing the Caring: A Latina Daughter Receives Help From NorthBay Hospice

In a modest, cozy Vacaville ranch house that smells of fresh herbs, powders and aromatic lotions, Juana Martinez sleeps. The 98-year old native of El Salvador... More»


Ida Pennington »

Posted: October 4, 2015

Ida Pennington's three grand-daughters hold up family photos

Ida Pennington could no longer speak, but the walls of her tidy Vacaville home did the talking for her. They told stories about a life well-lived and a family well-loved.

A handmade family tree in the living room depicted the fruit... More»


Toni Maria »

Posted: October 3, 2015

Toni Maria surrounded by her family

From a Nightmare to a Dream

One of the first childhood memories Toni Maria can recall is watching German soldiers ordering her father to dig his own grave. They shot him, quickly buried his body, and... More»


Alzira Silveira »

Posted: October 2, 2015

The late Alzira Silveira

Alzira Silveira, 82, of Fairfield was suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and longed to return to a place she could remember.

She lived a long and busy life, but in her final years was often confused and her many memories of... More»


Dennis Newstead »

Posted: October 1, 2015

The late Dennis Newstead with his wife and daughter

A Dream Shifting Shape

Just two days before his death, Dennis Newstead was planning a grand adventure.

Newstead, 93, was scheduled to be a recipient of NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement's Dream of a Lifetime program. He... More»


Carmen Toledano »

Posted: September 30, 2015

The late Carmen Toledano

A Day by the Ocean

Carmen Toledano knew a lot about dreams- especially one in particular. The 88-year-old widow followed her husband's dream and traveled with him to the United States from Spain in the 1960s.... More»


Bill Mize »

Posted: September 29, 2015

The late Bill Mize next to the race car he road shotgun in

Throughout his life, Vacaville resident Bill Mize felt the need for speed. He appreciated the lines of a finely-made car, and the happiness and exhilaration of a roaring ride.

"Oh, Dad just loved to talk about cars, and he loved... More»


Connie Northrup »

Posted: September 28, 2015

Connie Northrup, weakened by her battle with breast cancer, wanted to return once more to a sense of who she was before she became ill.

The former African American beauty pageant winner was granted her wish. She received a full... More»