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News Release

Terminally-Ill Navy Veteran's Dream Comes True Thanks To Dream Foundation And Department Of Veterans Affairs (Photo) -06/14/22

Navy Veteran Joseph Teeny from Troutdale, Oregon will enjoy ten days in Hawaii creating final and lasting memories with his family thanks to Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults.    

With a life expectancy of just six months, Joseph reached out to Dream Foundation’s Dreams for Veterans program. Launched in 2015 to tailor the Dream experience to Veterans and their families, the program acknowledges Veterans and honors their service by fulfilling their final dream providing them, their families and caregivers inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. 

In 2016, the foundation formed a strategic partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve the lives of Veterans with life-limiting illnesses by facilitating positive events, providing motivational support, and fulfilling final dreams for Veterans and their families. 

Joseph dreamed of visiting the islands with his wife, Reena, their adult children, Jasime and Jacob, and their South Korean exchange student, Joy, who they affectionately refer to as their bonus child. In addition to spending time with his loved ones and celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary with Reena, Joseph wants to visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Joseph, who served in the Navy from 1991-1995 as a hospital corpsman 3rd class, feels deeply connected to the fellow seamen who lost their lives there. A special Pearl Harbor tour has been arranged by Dream Foundation. 

Prior to departing on their trip, VA Portland Health Care System will honor and celebrate Joseph by hosting a Dream Delivery on June 16 at 6 p.m. at the family’s home in Troutdale, OregonVA Portland’s Interim Director Karla Azcuy will formally present Joseph his family’s trip to include a challenge coin, a Dreams for Veterans pin, and a sundry of other items. Oregon’s Patriot Guard Riders are supporting the event as well as Troutdale Mayor Randy Lauer.

Press is invited and encouraged to attend the Dream delivery. The specific  location will be provided upon confirmation. 

Dream Foundation acknowledges those in-kind partners that will help bring this dream to life including foundation travel partners, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and TURO, U-Go Mobility, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, and the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc. 

About Dream Foundation:

Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults, fulfills final dreams that provide inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, health care organizations and committed donors, Dream Foundation has given life to more than 33,000 final dreams since being founded in 1994. Dream Foundation receives no state or federal funding—they rely solely on private donations.

About Department of Veterans Affairs

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates the largest integrated health care delivery system in America through its Veterans Health Administration (VHA).  VHA provides care at 1,255 health care facilities serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.   The Veterans Benefits Administration administers compensation benefits, pension benefits, fiduciary services, education benefits, vocational rehabilitation and employment services, transition services and home loan and life insurance programs, while the National Cemetery Administration operates the largest national cemetery system honoring Veterans and eligible beneficiaries and their families with final resting places in national shrines, and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service and sacrifice to our nation. For more information, please visit www.va.gov.

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Attached Media Files: VA Seal, Dream Foundation logo,