Ferne Edgecombe, 101
We Are Young We Are Young

Ferne Edgecombe, 101

Meet Ferne Edgecombe, 101 years young. Ferne’s wish was simple but powerful—to see Stars on Ice live and meet her skating hero, Elvis Stojko.

Born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Ferne grew up skating in borrowed skates and homemade outfits, falling in love with the ice from a young age. Through decades of moves, motherhood, and loss, her love for skating never faded.

After recovering from two strokes—her most recent in 2024—Ferne held onto one dream: to feel the magic of Stars on Ice in person.

In March 2025, that dream came true. She traveled to St. John’s, Newfoundland, where she watched the show she’s adored for years and met Elvis Stojko face to face. For Ferne, this wasn’t just about a performance—it was a celebration of a lifelong passion that’s endured for over a century.

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Marion Rhyno, 84
We Are Young We Are Young

Marion Rhyno, 84

Meet Marion Rhyno, 84. For over 75 years, Marion held onto one dream—visiting the Grand Ole Opry.

A lifelong lover of country music, Marion found comfort in the voices of Dolly Parton, Hank Snow, and Charley Pride through life’s hardest moments. She raised four children through hardship and sacrifice, often putting her own dreams aside to care for her family.

Now, with the support of her granddaughter Amanda and We Are Young, Marion’s lifelong wish finally came true. She traveled to Nashville, stood in the Ryman Auditorium, and took her seat at the Grand Ole Opry—tears in her eyes as the music filled the room. “It will be with me forever,” she said.

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Janet Bertrand, 78
We Are Young We Are Young

Janet Bertrand, 78

Meet Janet Bertrand, 78. Janet has spent her life working hard, raising a family, and caring for others. But one dream always lingered—riding on the back of a motorcycle.

After a life of service and heartbreak, including the loss of her daughter, Janet now lives in a seniors’ residence where her days are quiet. But when she shared her dream with a friend, everything changed.

On October 10, 2024, with the help of Shane MacDougall and his crew, Janet’s wish came true. As engines roared, she climbed aboard and took off down the road—smiling, free, and full of joy. As the road stretched ahead, Janet felt something she hadn’t in years—pure exhilaration. For those precious moments, she wasn’t just a senior in an apartment—she was free. When she returned, her excitement was unmistakable. She couldn’t stop talking about the ride, calling family and sharing her joy with anyone who would listen.

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Sheila Kelly, 76
We Are Young We Are Young

Sheila Kelly, 76

Meet Sheila Kelly, 76. Sheila has always dreamed of soaring through the sky. A devoted mother and proud grandmother, she put that dream on hold while raising her family and working hard to make ends meet. Now, at 76—and despite recent hip and cataract surgeries—Sheila finally got her chance to take flight. With her husband, David, cheering her on, she climbed into the co-pilot’s seat at Debert Flight Centre. Guided by pilot Judson Moore, Sheila soared over Halifax, catching glimpses of her grandchildren’s home and Peggy’s Cove. She even took the controls herself. Beaming with pride, she later texted, “I’m still high… pun intended.” Sheila’s flight wasn’t just a dream come true—it was a bold reminder to her grandkids, and all of us, that it’s never too late to fly toward something that lights you up.

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Seldon Fahie, 83
We Are Young We Are Young

Seldon Fahie, 83

Meet Seldon Fahie, 83. As the eldest of nine, Seldon carried responsibility early on—values that carried him through a career with the Coast Guard, traveling the Arctic, the St. Lawrence, and beyond. His work kept him away for long stretches, but it helped build a life with his wife, Linda. One place always remained just out of reach: Sable Island. Though he once helped send equipment there, he never stepped foot on its sands. Stories from a close friend who had worked there ignited a quiet dream. Now retired and having faced illness and depression, Seldon finally made that dream a reality. This September, he walked the island’s shores in honor of his friend—and himself.

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Marg Sullivan, 81
We Are Young We Are Young

Marg Sullivan, 81

Meet Marg Sullivan, 81. Marg grew up as one of twelve children, raised by a resilient Cree mother who taught her to “find a way.” That mindset stayed with her through life’s challenges—from overcoming a learning disability to becoming a dedicated nurse, to caring for her husband through Alzheimer’s, to facing cancer and a knee replacement. Through it all, Marg held onto one lifelong dream: visiting Sable Island. This past September, that dream came true. She finally stepped onto the island she had envisioned for decades—feeling the Atlantic wind on her face and the waves at her feet. Marg’s story reminds us that aging doesn’t mean giving up on what sets your soul on fire. At We Are Young, we believe dreams don’t expire—and neither does the spirit of adventure.

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Sandra Gordon, 80
We Are Young We Are Young

Sandra Gordon, 80

Meet Sandra, 80 years young, who has spent most of her life on Prince Edward Island. While her roots run deep in the vibrant soil of her homeland, she has always harbored a dream—to explore the island from tip to tip. Despite calling this beautiful place home, Sandra has never had the chance to fully discover its wonders. A dedicated nurse and mother, Sandra has faced many challenges, including caring for her husband through his battle with cancer. Now, at a stage where she hopes to pursue her own dreams, Sandra finds it difficult to drive and faces numerous health challenges that made fulfilling her dream impossible. Recognizing Sandra’s lifelong dedication, we reached out to Pauley Charter and Adventure Tours to help make this wish come true where Sandra embarked on a memorable journey!

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Joan Boutilier, 81
We Are Young We Are Young

Joan Boutilier, 81

Joan Boutilier, 81, has always been a pillar of her community, known for her selflessness and deep love for her family. But there’s one wish she’s held close to her heart for years: to meet Canadian musician Alan Doyle. A lifelong fan, Joan's dream came true this summer, when she had the chance to meet Alan at the Shore Club in Hubbards, Nova Scotia. In a heartwarming moment, Joan shared her admiration for his music, and Alan’s kindness made the encounter even more special. For Joan, this was a dream come true—a moment that will stay with her forever.

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Anna Nicholas, 71
We Are Young We Are Young

Anna Nicholas, 71

Meet Anna, a spirited 71-year-old from the We'koqma'q First Nation, whose lifelong wish has been to meet her stepson, Mark. For over 15 years, she and her late partner, Alfred, searched for him, but their efforts ended tragically when Alfred passed away in 2014. After discovering that Mark had been seeking his father as well, they connected online, sharing the bittersweet news of Alfred's passing and igniting hope for the future. With support from We Are Young, Anna took her first flight to British Columbia to finally meet Mark and his family, fulfilling a dream that brought her joy and renewed purpose.

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Ruby Snyder, 85
We Are Young We Are Young

Ruby Snyder, 85

Meet Ruby, 85, who has always dreamed of visiting a lighthouse. In 1965, while living in Newfoundland, Ruby caught glimpses of lighthouses but never had the chance to explore one up close. Raising four children and supporting her husband kept her busy, leaving little time for her own dreams. Ruby’s dream resurfaced during a conversation with her daughter, Jasmin. She shared her wish to stand atop a lighthouse and take in the view. Jasmin, determined to make it happen, reached out to We Are Young for help. Kincardine, on the shores of Lake Huron, became the perfect place. The lighthouse’s white exterior with a red roof mirrored Ruby’s vision. Despite arthritic knees, Ruby was determined to climb the steps, savouring every moment.

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Garry Alderdice, 79
We Are Young We Are Young

Garry Alderdice, 79

Meet Garry Alderdice, 79, a dedicated Occupational Health and Safety professional who spent his career implementing workplace safety across Atlantic Canada. For over 30 years, Garry cherished time at his fishing camp on Tangier Grand Lake with his two fishing buddies, Earl and Michael. However, health struggles over the years have kept him from being able to access his favorite spot, dimming his once-bright spirit. Garry’s heartfelt wish was to fly over his fishing camp one last time with his friends. Thanks to Vision Air, his wish came true, reigniting his joy and resilience. In Garry's words, "We Are Young has given me a ‘Lift on Life,’ reminding me to live fully every day.

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Dorothy King, 78
We Are Young We Are Young

Dorothy King, 78

Meet Dorothy King, a spirited 78-year-old from Nova Scotia, whose lifelong dream has always been to see the Canadian Equestrian Team jump at Spruce Meadows. This wish is intertwined with cherished memories of watching the events with her mother on TV, whom she cared for as a young adult. After the passing of her close friend Blanche, who had plans to celebrate her 100th birthday with a helicopter ride, Dorothy felt an urgent call to pursue her own dreams. Through the support of We Are Young and Spruce Meadows, Dorothy's wish was fulfilled, allowing her to witness the North American Tournament and meet the equestrian team. As she sat in the stands, tears of joy filled her eyes, knowing this moment honored her mother’s memory and marked the realization of a long-held dream. This experience has profoundly transformed Dorothy, renewing her spirit and reminding her that it’s never too late to embrace life’s possibilities.

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Audrey Parker, 90
We Are Young We Are Young

Audrey Parker, 90

Meet Audrey Parker, 90, from Uxbridge, Ontario, who recently fulfilled her lifelong dream of exploring Nova Scotia. Growing up with mustard sandwiches and a challenging home life, Audrey found escape in ballet. At just 11, she persuaded a local studio owner to let her take ballet classes in exchange for cleaning, igniting a passion that would lead her to become a ballerina with the Toronto Ballet School. Her Nova Scotia journey included seeing the Atlantic for the first time and attending the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo—a tribute to her family's Air Force legacy.

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Normand MacDonald, 71
We Are Young We Are Young

Normand MacDonald, 71

Meet Normand MacDonald, 71, a New Brunswick native who has always dreamed of mastering the art of artisanal cheese-making. Growing up in Moncton, Normand took on family responsibilities early, later joining a Trappist Monastery where he discovered his passion for the craft. Life led him through diverse careers as a nurse, florist, and pastor, yet his love for cheese-making never faded. After a recent health scare reminded him that “tomorrow is never guaranteed,” Normand’s dream was fulfilled at Fromagerie Les Blancs D'Arcadie, where he experienced the full cheese-making process. Normand’s journey shows that dreams are achievable at any age!

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Carole Coulson, 81
Kate Elliot Kate Elliot

Carole Coulson, 81

Meet Carole, 81, from Waterloo, Ontario. For years, her greatest wish has been to ride a horse again. Captivated by horses since childhood, Carole finally owned her own horse at 29 and dedicated her life to helping others through her passion for these animals. A devoted single mother, she prioritized her children’s needs, putting her dreams on hold. In 2017, a catastrophic stroke changed everything, leaving her partially paralyzed and unable to speak. Despite the challenges, Carole's love for horses remained strong. With support from We Are Young and Pride Stables, Carole fulfilled her dream of riding again. She hopes her story serves as a powerful reminder to others: never stop praying or dreaming—regardless of age, ability, or circumstances, because with help, including the right community support, dreams can truly come true.

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Joanne Perry,  73
We Are Young We Are Young

Joanne Perry, 73

Meet Joanne Perry, 73, a spirited adventurer whose love for the skies has shaped her life. A former Air Force member in the UK and daughter of a WWII fighter pilot, Joanne shares her passion for flight with her youngest grandchild at the Discovery Centre’s flight simulator. Now facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, Joanne’s wish was to take one final flight in a helicopter, joined by her three beloved children. Thanks to Vision Air Services Inc., her dream came true, creating a cherished family memory. Joanne’s life motto, “wake up grateful and don’t waste any moments,” inspires us all to fully embrace each day.

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