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Skydives, NASCAR Rides, Hot Air Balloons and More: Cedarhurst Senior Living Makes 50+ Resident Dreams Come TRUE in 2025

12/10/2025 | By
A senior woman skydives with an instructor.

At Cedarhurst Senior Living®, we believe in the power of dreams to inspire, uplift, and bring joy. That belief is at the heart of our Dream Come TRUE™ program, which reflects our mission to create senior living communities where residents feel loved, valued, and supported to live life to the fullest. 

As an independent living, assisted living and memory care provider serving residents across seven states, Cedarhurst is committed to making meaningful experiences possible at every age. Through this initiative, we strive to make residents' lifelong wishes a reality, proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. 

“Our Dream Come TRUE program is about more than creating special moments — it’s about honoring the stories, passions, and purpose that shape each resident’s life,” says Almir Sajtovic, President of Cedarhurst Senior Living.

“Every dream we bring to life reflects our commitment to building vibrant, connected communities where every person is valued, celebrated, and supported.” — Almir Sajtovic, President of Cedarhurst Senior Living

As we look back on the incredible moments of 2025, we’re reminded of the lives touched and the joy shared across our Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Kentucky, and Georgia communities. This year, the program expanded its reach, with more than 50 dreams fulfilled across our senior living communities. 

Highlights from a Year Full of Dreams 

From Missouri to Illinois, Indiana to Kansas, Nebraska, Kentucky, and Georgia, Cedarhurst Senior Living communities brought unforgettable experiences to life in every region we serve. 

Each story is unique, reflecting the passions, memories, and aspirations of our residents. Here are just a few of the moments that made 2025 unforgettable: 

Charlotte SkydiveCharlotte Moszczenski, Cedarhurst of Tesson Heights (Missouri)

At 85, Charlotte fulfilled her long-held dream of skydiving with Skydive STL, honoring her late husband, a 101st Airborne paratrooper and St. Louis Parachute Club founder. Her sky-high tribute drew widespread attention, including coverage from KSDK, KMOV, FOX2, and more than 150 stations nationwide— inspiring others across St. Louis to dream boldly. 

Diane SkydiveDiane Anderson, Cedar Creek of Bedford (Indiana) 

At 89, Air Force veteran Diane Anderson soared with Skydive Indianapolis, fulfilling a dream held since 1954. Thanks to the Dream Come TRUE program, she leapt from 13,000 feet in Bedford and was featured in the “Inspiring Indiana” series on WTHR-TV. Her story spread across the state as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to take the leap. 

Mark NASCAR

Mark Saul, Cedarhurst of Oakwood (Georgia)

A lifelong racing fan, Mark lived out his dream at EchoPark Speedway, riding six high-speed laps in a real NASCAR racecar through the Dream Come TRUE program. Hitting nearly 170 MPH, he said the thrill was “better than I ever imagined.” The unforgettable Atlanta experience reignited decades of passion under the hood. 

Susan Mayer, Cedarhurst of Topeka (Kansas) Susan Mayer

A lifelong Nebraska volleyball fan, Susan finally experienced her first live match—Nebraska vs. Kansas—through the Dream Come TRUE program. Surrounded by family and meeting Coach Dani Busboom Kelly, the moment brought 50 years of passion full circle. The unforgettable night in Lincoln reminded her, “You’re never too old to chase what you love.” 

Phil-Evelyn SweetPhil & Evelyn Sweet, Cedarhurst of La Vista (Nebraska)

Nearly 70 years after their wedding at Fort Sill’s Old Post Chapel, Phil and Evelyn renewed their vows through the Dream Come TRUE program. Surrounded by family, the return to their original chapel brought tears, joy, and powerful memories—later featured by WOWT in Omaha, celebrating their enduring love story. 

Mary Hot Air BalloonMary Haar, Cedarhurst of Breese (Illinois) 

A lifelong wish came true when Mary took a hot air balloon ride—lifting off right from Cedarhurst and floating above her hometown of Breese, Illinois. Joined by her daughter and daughter-in-law, the experience marked another bold adventure for Mary, who at 85 has embraced sledding, themed events, and now soaring sky-high. 

Mary ClydesdalesMary Jane Straub, Cedarhurst of Des Peres (Missouri) 

Growing up on a South Dakota ranch, Mary Jane longed to feel the bond between horse and rider again. Through the Dream Come TRUE program, she spent two unforgettable days with Ace the Clydesdale and the Shire horses at Hermann Farm—an experience later featured in the Webster-Kirkwood Times as a true equine dream fulfilled. 

Beverly Fox TheatreBeverly Coleman, Cedarhurst of Canton (Georgia) 

A lifelong dancer, Beverly returned to Atlanta’s legendary Fox Theatre, a place she first fell in love with at age 12. Joined by her children and grandson, the Dream Come TRUE visit revived joyful memories from her dancing days. Experiencing the theater’s magic again, she said, “Age is just a number—never stop dreaming.” 

Teresa WheatleyTeresa Wheatley, Cedar Creek of Logansport (Indiana) 

Teresa fulfilled her dream of kayaking with a three-mile family adventure through Indiana’s stunning Turkey Run State Park. Supported by the Dream Come TRUE program, the day deepened family bonds and created memories she’ll cherish forever. Her joyful journey was later featured in Yahoo! News, inspiring others to seek new experiences together.

Paul ShermanPaul Sherman, Cedarhurst of Columbia (Missouri) 

Retired chemist Paul Sherman fulfilled a heartfelt wish—attending a Mizzou football game with his son, Matt. Through the Dream Come TRUE program, Paul, Matt, and daughter-in-law Angela enjoyed the season opener together, creating a meaningful family memory he deeply cherished. “It was the opportunity of a lifetime,” Paul shared. 

Together, these stories show what’s possible when residents are supported to live boldly—creating moments that strengthen families, inspire our teams, and enrich every Cedarhurst community. 

The Impact Across Our Communities 

The program’s success this year is a testament to the creativity, compassion, and dedication of our Cedarhurst communities. Across all locations, the Dream Come TRUE program brought joy, connection, and inspiration to residents and their families — reinforcing Cedarhurst’s commitment to creating vibrant senior living communities where possibility thrives. 

Looking Ahead to 2026: What’s Your Dream? 

As we prepare for another year of making dreams come true, we invite our residents to dream big. No dream is too small or too grand. Submissions open in January, and each community will select a resident’s wish to fulfill. Whether it’s skydiving, dancing, or simply trying something new, we’re ready to make it happen. 

This year’s residents said it best. After skydiving at 85, Charlotte Moszczenski shared: “If it weren’t for Cedarhurst, I would never have done this.” 

And for racing enthusiast Mark Saul, his NASCAR ride at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta became more than a thrill — it became a moment of gratitude. As Mark said, “The Dream Come TRUE program is great, and I never would’ve been able to do this on my own without the help of Cedarhurst.” 

Let’s Keep Dreaming 

The Dream Come TRUE™ program is more than a celebration of wishes fulfilled; it’s a reminder that age is never a barrier to joy or possibility. If you’re a Cedarhurst resident, we can’t wait to hear about your dream in 2026. 

What’s your lifelong dream? Let’s make it a reality — together.

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